


















BIS 

■ S3 3E« 



jH 

■9 HP 

1111 

H 




Class _..^F.\^0 

Book MJ-sfr 

Copyright N° 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




eApdfet^. 



ARDETHA, 

THE TEACHER. 






A 5eries of Lessons Given 
Through the flediumship of 

F. CORDEN WHITE 

TO 

Q. W. FULLER. 

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 



PUBLISHED BY 

G. W. Fuller, Prescottyille, Penn. 



SUNFLOWER 1'RINT, LILY DALE, N. Y. 



»<>' 



THFLI8RARY OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Cones Received 

JUL 20 1902 

^OnPVRIQHT ENTRY 

,Ci /:*§(^XXc. No. 
COPY B. 



Copyright 1902 
By G. W. FULLER. 



PREFACE. 

The manuscript for this book was received in the 
following manner: The name of the Author is 
Ardetha. She was one of the inhabitants of the 
Continent of Atlantis, which was sunk beneath the 
Atlantic Ocean by some great cataclysm, many 
thousand years ago. 

I first met her in July 1898, when she material- 
ized at a seance given by Mrs. Effie Moss, and 
said she was my guide. She was grand, noble and 
stately in manner. She came illuminated and the 
magnificence of her garments beggars all descrip- 
tion. Her figure is rather above the medium height, 
beautifully rounded and graceful; her hair is black 
and glossy, her eyes are large, dark and sparkling 
but very kindly in expression. They seem to con- 
tain hidden depth which you can not fathom, and 
are the windows of a noble soul. Her features are 
oval, nose prominent, showing a strong face, com- 
plexion, brunette, her manner contemplative and 
reflective. 

In July, 1900, she gave me a portrait of herself 



PREFACE. 

through the mediumship of the Bangs Sisters, which 
I greatly prize. A half-tone reproduction of that 
picture may be seen in the frontispiece. 

I have heard her deliver two addresses: One 
when she materialized and addressed the circle, and 
once when she controlled Mrs. Bartholomew, the 
celebrated trumpet medium, of Buffalo, N. Y. I 
never heard anything so grand and inspiring in my 
life. I was sorry there was not a reporter there 
to take it down in shorthand so the thoughts 
could be given to the world. 

This thought haunted me until April 24, 1902, 
when I wrote Ardetha a letter, sealing it so it could 
not be opened without detection, asking her if she 
could control F. Corden White and give some new 
thoughts to the world. I mailed this letter to Mr. 
White inside of another letter asking him to give 
what his hand was controlled to write and in due 
time I received my letter to Ardetha, unopened 
and an automatic writing saying she could control 
the vocal organs of Mr. White and he would de- 
liver the subject matter orally and it could be taken 
down in shorthand. 

I visited Mr. White on May 16th at Bradford, 
Perm, and arranged for the sittings and this book 
is the result. I make this statement in the interest 
of honesty and truth lest some might think I 
claimed to be the author. 



PREFACE. 

I deem it an honor that so wise and ancient a 
spirit as Ardetha should have thought me worthy 
to furnish the material aid that was necessary to 
give her thoughts to the world and give the book 
my name. Anybody who has a knowledge of Spir- 
itualism will understand perfectly the manner in 
which the manuscript was obtained. To those 
who do not understand, I would say, Never rest 
until you have thoroughly and honestly investi- 
gated the matter. Then, and not till then, will 
you be competent to judge of the truth of this 
statement. 

"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." 
Yours for truth, 

G. W. FULLER. 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. 
The Meeting— Greetings, 9 

CHAPTER II. 
Explanation and Preparation, - - - 24 

CHAPTER III. 
Introductions— Histories — Experiences, - 32 

CHAPTER IV. 
Plans for the Work, ------- 52 

CHAPTER V 
A Lesson on Life, - - - - - - - - 63 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Doubter and The Teacher, - - - 77 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Teacher Materialized, - - - - - - 86 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Mediumship and Magnetism, ----- 97 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Lesson of Love, ------- 103 

CHAPTER X. 
The Lesson of Hope, - - - - - - - 113 

CHAPTER XI. 
Immortality, --------- 121 

CHAPTER XII. 
Affinities and Soul Mates, * 131 

CHAPTER XIII. 
The Altruistic Brotherhood, - - - 135 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Death of The Master, ----- 150 



CHAPTER I. 

THE MEETING— GREETINGS. 

It was on a warm spring morning that a party 
might have been seen gathering upon the banks of a 
little stream. They came from diverse directions 
but all seemed intent upon the one point which 
several had already reached when our attention 
was attracted to them. 

Had an observer been asked to name the country 
in which the place was located, he would have 
been at a loss to determine. The swiftly flowing 
stream did not give an}- clue to its location. Its 
limpid waters told only of a warm climate, but as 
it was in the spring, when all nature began 
to blossom, when the beauties of nature manifested 
itself in many ways, that would have been no 
criterion. The foliage gave a decidedly mystifying 
explanation. It was tropical in its luxuriance, matted 
together in true tropical style. Its long creepers 
indicated the wandering vines of that region, but 



10 

interspersed with these were the hardy natives of 
the Western World and the most careless observer 
could not fail to wonder, had he been placed in 
these surroundings without knowing his where- 
abouts, what place in the domain of nature he had 
been dropped. 

A balmy air greeted those who had reached the 
goal. It was on a slight eminence on the banks of 
a stream where it was joined by a smaller one, 
where the birds had chosen to make their nests 
and rear their young, where the wald flowers had 
chosen a resting place, where there were vines and 
trees and all grew in that luxuriance known only 
in tropical countries, yet on this height was a 
piece of open ground that seemed to welcome all 
who came within its mystic circle and it w-as a 
goal towards which many were drawn in the early 
morning. 

The party of which I speak had come to enter 
into the mystic ceremonies of the time as devotees. 
As those who wished to learn the mysteries. As 
a band, who, having been engaged in the investi- 
gation of sacred nrysteries, had, through some 
wonderful influence given the signal that had drawn 
to them from out the great sea of mystery, some- 
thing that had shaped their ends, and from distant 
lands they had journeyed to this trysting place to 
meet — they knew not what. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 11 

None had been advised of the coming of the other. 
No missive known to man had been sent, yet as 
we are told the wise men journeyed to Bethlehem , 
to meet at the side of He who was born under the 
influence of that great Star of the East, so these 
devotees of mystery had gathered together from 
widely separated localities to heed the call of a 
force, the import of which they knew not and only 
vaguely guessed at the mission which called them 
together. 

On the morning on which our narrative begins 
we find them heeding the call of the great power 
that assembled them, gathered at the appointed 
place, on the eminence where, for ages gone, their 
ancestors had met to worship the great powers of 
mystery which they were to become a part of so 
soon. To welcome the rising of the sun; to watch 
the scintillations of the beautiful orb of night and 
the mysterious wanderings of those tiny spots set 
in the firmament of heaven, jthose points which 
have so much to do with the destiny of mankind,,, 
and, with loving caress or hated vengeance, send 
forth their beneficent or malefic influences to the 
children of earth. 

As they met on the banks of the river all seemed 
joined by one influence. 

"From whence comest thou," was the salutation. 

"From seeking after that which is higher than 



12 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

life, grander than the woodlands which surround 
us, deeper than the fathomless ocean, higher than 
the tops of 3'on lofty peaks, more powerful than 
the ra} r s of the God of Day, softer than the 
silvery beam of the Goddess of Night, more potent 
than the force that pushes forward this beautiful 
life and grander than all that which men have 
deemed sacred, 'The law of life,'" came the reply 
from one, who, with the air which age and purity 
of life had given, made him a spokesman for the 
rest; and all bowed to the words of he who thus 
became their leader. 

From the East, West, North and South these six 
had gathered in that forest temple. Six had been 
given the words that gathered them together, yet, 
according to the law which they all knew, seven 
were necessary to carry on the work which was 
entrusted to them. As they looked into each 
other's faces, and read the lines of light, love and 
life, they sought for one who would be able to 
dispel the darkness that must surround them until 
the day might dawn when the seventh star in the 
mystic firmament might be added to their number 
and their work would proceed. 

But they sought in vain. All bore the signs of the 
ascetic life. All held the same mystic symbols. All 
walked the way of their unseen teachers, but none 
had received the illumination that was to make 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 13 

the leader and the post of spokesman and present 
leader was given to the patriarch who had replied 
when the first question was asked. 

Scarcely had they entered the sacred ground 
wmen the sun burst forth in its glory. Like faith- 
ful adherents of the ways of the East, they 
welcomed his approach by songs of praise and 
thanksgiving, sent out to that great power in 
whose hands the universe is "Like clay in the hands 
of the potter," which biblical writers have told the 
world, "Maketh one vessel unto honor and another 
unto dishonor." 

As all had been schooled in the great realm of 
mystery, they knew the signals of each cult, 
they knew the meaning of the orbs, the 
mystic vibrations of the sun, which they 
delighted to honor, and the soft quieting 
influence of the stars. They beheld the soft gleam 
of the morning star, they received the benediction 
of lovely Venus as it rose so majestically in the 
evening, they wondered at the belt that encircled 
the orb of Jupiter and beheld the scattered forces 
of Saturn. They knew they were part of some 
great plan that the subtle forces of nature were 
working and they knew they were called to aid in 
unraveling some of the mystic emblems and 
symbols they had received — to interpret them to 
the world. 



14 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Not finding the one who was to complete their 
sacred seven, they sat upon the earth, facing the 
greatest force they knew, and performed their 
morning service, sacred to the God of Day. In the 
center, like a venerable patriarch, sat he who had 
first spoken. With bowed head and closed lips 
from which no sound emanated, he sent forth his 
prayer to the great power for guidance. He knew 
that he was destined to become the leader, the 
Father, as was the custom of Oriental Nations in 
the early days, to those who were drawn thither 
and that in his wisdom and experience they would 
look for that which would bring them the knowl- 
edge they came to seek. 

But far from feeling, as people are so apt to at 
the present day, that he was more than others, 
his heart sank within him as he received the revel- 
ation. He would fain have seated himself at the 
feet of the others but that power which he had so 
long served, which had so long carried him through 
the vicissitudes of life and given him his wisdom 
at the opportune moment, had said to him, out of 
the voiceless silence, that he was the appointed 
one. That he must bear the burden while the 
elements necessary to the fulfilment of the plan 
were being prepared. 

With voice and soul he then poured forth his 
prayer for guidance. Not to an arbitrary power, 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 15 

not to an invisible something, but to the mighty 
forces which he saw around him, and which all of 
the races of men who lived in primitive ages 
realized and typified, he sought the strengthing 
power, and strove to bring himself into more 
perfect accord with the primitive elements. 

As he uttered his words, his companions were 
similarly impressed. They too, were filled with the 
spirit of the occasion, their lives were made clear 
and they opened the way to a more perfect har- 
mony between them and all of nature's forces. As 
they had received the impressions that had started 
taem on their long journey, so they received the 
light that was given them and sought to blend 
with the thought of he whom they all recognized 
as their temporary master. 

Every student of what is termed Occult Sciences 
knows that there are times in the history of the 
universe when all the magnetic and other conditions 
are calculated to bring about a new era. The 
earth itself is transformed, its influence and con- 
ditions seem to be changing and the very atmos- 
phere seems permeated with the wisdom of the 
spheres. Such an occasion presented itself as we 
began our narrative. Such events are presented 
at the end of each cycle of 2,000 years when a 
new era is about to dawn on the earth. 

It is not strange then to an observer of the 



16 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

occult that these people whom we have mentioned 
had been drawn together in the way they were. 
It was about time for the beginning of a great 
c\-cle. Old things were passing away and new 
ones were slowly taking their places. The world 
was recovering from a day of stagnation such as 
has been experienced by those who have lived in 
later years and was all on the qui vive for a new 
dispensation. 

Churchman of the present day speak of the 
different dispensations as though they know all 
that there is to be known. That the Antedeluvian 
Adamic, Jewish and Christian dispensations were 
all that have been known to the world. In th:s 
they are mistaken. There were dispensations that 
the Christian world knows nothing of that were 
more pronounced and had a greater effect upon 
the later lives of the people than any of those of 
which modern history treats. 

Every cycle has its messiahs. Every era has had 
its heroes, every age has had its enlightenment, 
but none have been so great as those which were 
impending and of which our story tells. 

The messiahs and forerunners of the messiahs 
have been chosen from among the common people. 
Those who have any work to do that is of great 
moment have come from among the common peo- 
ple. They were the ones who could stand the 
world's scoffs and sneers. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 17 

But to return to our people whom we have left 
in the sacred precinct. After having talked the 
manner of their theocratic organization, they 
wished to know more of each other. By their 
powers they might have come into magnetic 
rapport with each other and had their inmost 
liyes made clear. But each asked the question of 
himself, ''Shall I enter the sacred precinct, or shall 
I respect the ban of secrecy until the spirit shall 
open the mouth?" and each one decided that until 
the time came to speak they would not seek to 
know more than the outward appearance gave 
them. 

As they sat there in silent meditation, he whom 
it seemed proper to lead opened his mouth and be- 
gan to speak. All hung upon his words and none 
cared to break the silence after he had began to 
talk. 

He spake as follows: 

"Fellow seekers after all that is just and good, 
It seems that the great powers of the unknown 
world have seen fit to send us to this place. For 
what purpose, neither you or I seem to be fully 
informed. That it has to do with the powers 
that those who have come among us have deemed 
mystic there seems to be no doubt. But why have 
we come here? To me the door seemed to be 
opened and by the light of that power which man 



18 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

lias called deific, I seemed to see the earth open 
before me. Out of this element came men and 
women. They formed themselves upon two sides 
and faced each other. There was neither love or 
hate manifested in their appearance or actions. 
As I looked, there appeared one in the center to 
whom all bowed. She, for it was the form of a 
woman, walked the length of their columns be- 
tween them and as she walked, there seemed to 
come from her streaks of light. Those whom it 
touched seemed either to shrink back or to be il- 
lumined by a wondrous light. It was the Teacher. 
As she passed there came more clearly into my 
view that subtle force she had used and I saw 
that the masses we had seen were the two con- 
tending forces of the other world. 

"We have all heard that the inhabitants of the 
world of nrystery are of two classes: One seeks to 
transform all into light, the other seeks to spread 
darkness. In this there is little difference between 
the daemons, or spirits of the dead, and human be- 
ings. The good seeking to allay, the others seek- 
ing to prolong suffering. 

"As the teacher passed along she stood before me 
for a moment and thus she spake: 'Friend of 
earth, earth's children have long sought the way 
by which they can come into closer contact with 
those who have passed the valley of death, and 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 19 

seek to know of their life. I am Arcletha, the 
Teacher. Ages ago I lived on the earth and was 
as one of yon. I passed to another sphere and 
knowing that those who still lived upon the face 
of mother earth desired to know of the wonders 
that prevailed and the mysteries that intervened 
between them and those who lived in another 
sphere, I have sought by aid of the mystic powers 
of nature to give that light to earth's people. 

; ' 'I have called you together to give to you 
some of that knowledge that you may, after pas- 
sing through the experiences, return to your homes 
and give the world the results of that which has 
been given to you. First, } t ou must know each 
other. Each must tell his story, tell how this 
great knowledge came to him and in the realiza- 
tion of your common experiences and desires, 
you will find a common purpose and with the as- 
sistance of yourselves and those whom you want to 
teach, I will take im> place among you and will 
fill the niche that you feel is left vacant. I will be 
the seventh member of your group and -will fill 
the space where you have thought another must 
come to make your number complete.' 

' 'Saying this she passed from my view. And 
now, good brothers, you have heard the words 
the Teacher spoke to me, What is your pleasure? 
Shall we proceed to bind the power that has come 



20 A.RDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

to us and invite the Teacher to us, or shall we go 
as we have gone heretofore and not seek to know 
more of the mysteries than we have known in the 
past? I await your words." 

For a few moments there was silence. None felt 
to break the quiet that had ruled since Ardetha 
had entered the circle. Although she had not been 
seen by but one of them, all had felt the power- 
ful presence and had bowed to it as to a higher 
power and one that might be held subject to wor- 
ship. 

Then, from off the grassy bank one arose and 
spoke as follows: "Friends, I have come among 
you a stranger. Why I was chosen to fill this 
important position, I know not. It is enough to 
know that I am thus favored by the great God of 
the Universe and to say that as one of you, I will 
seek to follow in the way of the Master. Speak 
and I will answer. Call and I will come." 

Another said, "I, too, am called here by the 
will of a higher power. I will follow as the Mas- 
ter leads. He, by spirit and power of the Teacher, 
will be a just guide." 

The third arose slowly. He was a man whom 
the storms of many winters had dealt with 
harshly. His form was bent, but from his eyes 
gleamed a light that was more than earthly, as 
he said, "Friends, brothers, I come as one crying 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 21 

in the wilderness. I come as one seeking the light. 
I come as one who has been called. As the 
Teacher has called the Master, so will I answer 
his call." Then turning to the master he made 
a low bow and sat down saying, "I am with thee. 
But ask and I will follow thee. This is my life." 

The fourth said, "From out the winds of the 
north I sought the light and I bow to the wishes 
of the Teacher." 

The fifth arose and said, "We are brothers. I 
heard the call. I answered. I am here. Com- 
mand me." 

After all had spoken the Master arose and cros- 
sing his arms over his breast slowly spoke these 
words: "Friends, again I say, we know not 
what has brought us together. We know not 
what experiences are in store for us. We know 
not what teachers are to be given us. By some 
means I have been selected to bear the burden of 
leader. I do not repine. As soon would I sit at 
the feet of others as to stand on a pedestal. As 
soon would I learn the words that others speak 
as to teach words to others. Words comprise our 
knowledge sent forth into the world. With words 
I can not add to my own knowledge. But by 
listening at the feet of my Teacher can I learn the 
words and thoughts that will give me greater 
power than is given to those who talk. But are 



22 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

ye all agreed? Do all think that I have been called 
to act the part as Master?" 

"Truly," spoke one, ''thou hast been chosen 
from out the world of people to be the Master of 
this little band. So say I, and is it not so, my 
brothers?" 

"So say we," said all in chorus. 

"Then shall it be," said the Master, "but let 
us join in one thought which is: Let none be 
master such as is known to the slave. Let all be 
brothers, joined in one purpose; but as all na- 
tions require a government and each goverment a 
head, then let me act as an adviser, with the qual- 
ities of a governor, a power to draw from the 
teacher and pass to you, but not a ruler absolute 
arbitrary and supreme. Let us be a democracy, 
wherein all shall have voice and let none be im- 
pressed against his will. This will constitute true 
government. I, as Master, will strive to learn the 
lesson and I trust all will aid me. 

"And now least we should tire, let us seek to 
congenial spots, commune with nature, bring your 
souls into rapport with the highest powers we 
know that we may attain to that condition 
whereby we shall dispense to our Teacher the 
power she must have to join us as an individual 
in the world of materiality. 

"Tomorrow let us meet as the sun rises. We 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 23 

will greet the orb of day with our songs and while 
the air is cool, the spirit strong, will we tell each 
one the story of his life and will strive to open 
the way to a higher thought of life and power. 
"As we part for the present I leave with you 
this thought: All great and good things come 
from the storehouse of nature. Good and bad 
are stored in inexhaustible quantities. But open 
the way and good will come. Seek for evil and 
it will be supplied. Strive to think and feel only 
that which will be for good to all. Act just, 
think just, be just. Farewell then till tomorrow.' 7 



CHAPTER II. 

EXPLANATION AND PREPARATION. 

We have introduced our readers to a part of a 
great plan. The world today does not understand 
as did those who lived in ancient times the great 
powers that were and are stored in nature's store- 
house. Today's world is materialistic. It can real- 
ize only hj the power of materiality. The finer 
perceptions, the wondrous powers that were used 
by humanity in what is termed the childhood of 
the world, by means of which they came so closely 
into communion with the world which later 
writers have made an unknown quantity. The 
relics that continue at the present day among the 
more primitive nations, those which live nearer to 
nature, are stepping stones that, if properly fol- 
lowed up, will lead to the rediscovery of those at- 
tributes that were so commonly used among the 
ancients. 

Certain people, known to the world as psychics, 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 25 

have unfolded the power known under different 
names as clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience 
and various phases of a power or manifestation of 
a power that has set the world agog. Men and 
women of scientific attainments have opened their 
eyes to the wonders as expressed through these in- 
dividuals and have wondered that so great a boon 
to humanity had so long lain dormant in the hu- 
man brain. 

The world moves in cycles. Every era has its 
peculiar line of work to be carried out and that 
productive force through which all are brought into 
being has wisely planned to carry them forward as 
fast as they can be in accord with the conditions 
in which they find themselves placed. 

Help from other sources is needed to carry these 
operations to a successful conclusion, and it is to 
these intelligences that the sensitized ones of the 
world look to receive the thoughts that they seek 
to impart to those who are not so sensitive or 
gifted in that line as themselves. 

Our party is made up of a group of these beings. 
They are gathering in different places and are not 
content with simply getting en rapporte with each 
other, but in divers ways they are meeting and in- 
voking the presence of those divine powers that 
come to humanit3 T when asked in the contrite spirit. 

As the}- seek for light on this side, they also seek 
for light from the source of light and power. 



26 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Do you ask, reader, Whence cometh this light? 
Ask not of me, but seek to know this light b} r fol- 
lowing it thyself. Not with the spirit of intoler- 
ance, but with contrite spirit; with hopes lifted 
high to heaven ; with the inmost longing of thy 
soul ; look to the heights and seek thereon the way 
of wisdom. 

The mystic realm gives out its light in sevens. 
Seven days in the week; four sevens in the moon's 
month ; fifty-two sevens in a lunar year ; four series 
of sevens in the solstices, and so on to the seven 
stages of human existence. Seven greater planets 
in the solar system. Seven in the mystic circle 
which has presented the evidence of every messiah ; 
even seven in the earthly circle of those who gave 
the modern knowledge of spirit communion to the 
world. 

So seven is the number that have come together 
to seek to gain that light — six in one habiliment, 
one who is to come in the habiliments of another 
sphere of existence. Truly there are many John the 
Baptists who are forerunners. 

Seven, did I say ? Yes, seven. Look at thy own. 
life. Is not the mystic seven interwoven with thee 
so closely that it would be impossible to separate 
it without destroying life and all ? 

So thou art a part of a seven, not mythical, but 
real, and from it will come that which is sought by 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 27 

the world but not found. That which is needed by 
the world but not sufficiently sought. 

You have asked Why men and women seek with- 
out finding and suddenly find? Why from out the 
past will come drifting back a recollection of other 
days ? Why into the present will come that which 
seems to carry the soul down into darkness? All, 
all is answered in the great storehouse where all 
may go without money or price, but with the 
spirit of investigation that all must have to learn 
the lessons of the world. 

There is a lesson in each tree, and each blade of 
grass. As the merry birds swing their feathery 
bodies from limb to limb, they carry a lesson to 
humanity which all may heed if they will but ob- 
serve and encompass. 

Our friends have gathered for this purpose. Let 
us listen to their words, catch the accents of their 
voices and from the deep humility of the spirit, 
and depth of soul, we can find a world of knowl- 
edge and know the secret of life. 

W T hen the Master had spoken all went their way 
as they had come. As none had been sought to 
come none sought the company of the others as the 
proceedings of the day seemed drawn to a close. 
All bent their heads in silent meditation and slowly 
passed out of sight among the low trees and bushes 
that lined the opening toward which all had come 
as a goal of promise. 



28 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Soon all were gone but he whom they had st3 r led 
Master. Let us make his acquaintance. He was 
old as go the years of life, yet young as it appeared 
to all with whom he came in contact. Although 
the storms of many years had encompassed him, 
his eye was still bright, his step firm and elastic. 
Determination was marked on every line of his 
brow and his high forehead indicated his percep- 
tion and spirituality. 

As the others passed from his view he lay down 
upon the earth and seemed lost in thought. What 
was this wonderful force that had brought them 
together ? From whence came it ? Was it indeed 
the influence of those familiar spirits whom the 
world had always supposed were wandering the 
passages of the great unseen world, and ever and 
anon throwing out subtle thoughts that vibrated 
on the ambient air until they were caught by one 
whose brain was attuned to catch the mysterious 
thought that centered in the mind of one whose 
wisdom was such as to make it desirable that the 
knowledge of which he was possessed ought to be 
given to the world ? 

As he mused he gradually sank lower and lower 
until his head rested on the sod and he slept. But 
was it sleep ? To all outward appearances he slept. 
But the slight twitchings of the body showed more 
than sleep. It showed that something that pos- 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 29 

scssed power outside of the body was working and 
that his body was being used as a battery for the 
generation of forces that might be used for the 
purpose of accomplishing some object. 

The hours passed away and still he rested on the 
sward. The sun had risen high before the gather- 
ing had separated, and it had long since passed 
the meridian, but still he lay in the same position. 
The shadows lengthened and threw their protecting 
arms around him, but it mattered not. He did not 
move. Only now and then a conyulsiye shudder 
passing through his frame indicated that life re- 
mained in the body. But he rested. 

And the others ? The same strange influence that 
had followed so soon upon the Master followed 
each one as they passed through the shadows ; one 
after the other they felt the soothing influence of 
the occasion and seeking a quiet nook, they were 
soon in the arms of Morpheus, or so far as out- 
ward appearances went, they were fast asleep. 
But as was the case with the Master, each one 
showed by a slight spasmodic motion that some- 
thing besides the seductive wiles of the God of Rest 
was working upon them. 

What was the purpose of this, do you ask? 
Reader, watch the sequel and it will tell the tale 
of life as it is shown by the subtle forces that per- 
meate the universe that man has so frequently 



30 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

come in contact with, and so little understands. 

Thus the day passed. It was full of light and 
life. It teemed with activity, but to each of those 
who were so soon to receive the new dispensation 
it was as a lost time so far as outward appear- 
ances could judge. But soon the curtain will rise. 
Soon the light will break. Then will the meaning 
be known. 

As the evening shadows deepened they all awoke. 
Although no two of them were together, there 
seemed to be that bond of unity between them that 
showed a connection closer than that of brother- 
hood in the accepted meaning of the term. It 
meant that they had been bound in a magnetic 
brotherhood that would unite them closer than 
ever before were human beings united — a unity, a 
spiritual, an eternal brotherhood. 

When they arose from their sleep, they were 
rested in bod} r but broken in spirit. They felt as 
though they had been drawn upon by some vast 
toil that made them lose their vital forces. But as 
all had experienced the same feeling previously, 
they did not murmur, but passed on to a little city 
that lay nestled in the hills and in which they were 
to find what was necessary to sustain the physical. 
Later they were to be called to more desirable, 
from their point of view, surroundings, but at pres- 
ent, ere the plans had been formulated, it was to 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 31 

be as the public requirements made necessary. To- 
morrow had much in store, but tomorrow was far 
from their thoughts as they reviewed the condi- 
tions of their afternoon's experience. 

At an early hour all had found a resting place, 
had refreshed the physical man and had passed to 
the place where they were to spend the night; but 
strange as it may seem, although the forces that 
animated them had chosen, they had not even seen 
each other since passing from the appointed tryst- 
ing place. Each had his work to do, but no one 
could do it for or with the other. Thus they en- 
tered upon the night and awaited the dawn. 



CHAPTER III. 

INTRODUCTIONS — HISTORIES — EXPERIENCES. 

The morning dawned bright and clear. As the 
sun rose, it looked upon the same scene it had wit- 
nessed the day before. Our friends were gathering 
to become acquainted with each other, to hear 
each other's story, and this learned, they would 
know the power that brought them together and 
the purpose of that power. 

They gathered quietly as they had on the previ- 
ous morning. No word was spoken as they slowly 
passed out of the copse and into the open. No 
word or gesture told them where to go ; but as 
true as the arrow from the bow, or the spear in 
the hands of one whose training had made him an 
expert, each went to the spot he seemed to be fit- 
ted to occupy. 

As all gathered and each took his self-selected 
place, the sun rose over the hill and cast its first 
ra} T s into the open. The Master arose and with 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 33 

one accord all joined with him in silent invocation. 
All felt the solemnity of the occasion. All realized 
that the time had come for them to know the 
meaning of their visit and each one in his own way 
reached out in humble supplication to those unseen 
powers of nature that man has so long observed 
and deified, and besought guidance in the way of 
life, hope for the future and forgetfulness of the 
past— for that is true prayer. Not supplication for 
things unknown, not wishes for things unattaina- 
ble, but the appeal for light from that great fount- 
ain of light, and hope from out the depths of the 
fount of hope. Then to unmake the past is impos- 
sible. Therefore to profit by the lessons of the past 
and to forget that which is not desirable to carry 
for our benefit, is the true mission of and the true 
being of prayer. 

When the invocation of silence was ended, the 
Master opened his lips and prayed: "Oh, Fountain 
of Light, thou great force which animates the uni- 
verse, thou fount which tends to build and uplift 
all that man desires, which giveth to us heat and 
light in the physical sense and as symbol of all 
that is good, giveth to us wisdom, we ask not 
from thee as a personality, not as an individual, 
but in the symbol of truth, light, heat, and all that 
goes to make life worth living, to so send thy rays 
upon us that we may receive the continual bene- 



34 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

diction of the Great God of Light, that central 
power of the universe that holdeth in the palm of 
of his hand that which we desire. Give us of the 
magnetic force that was showered upon us yester- 
day afternoon, sufficient to place us in a condition 
where we can attract to us those daemons which 
are but the spirits of dead men who, having had the 
experiences of earth life and gone into those celes- 
tial realms can now return with the added knowl- 
edge and give us lessons of great worth. 

"It was revealed to me that we were to receive 
that which if properly applied might be of wonder- 
ful benefit to the world. May we be so inspired 
and uplifted by the light that comes to us that we 
will not only receive but apply the lessons and 
carry them to our fellow men and thereby raise all 
from the crude to the refined; from the old to the 
new ; from darkness to light. Spread thy light that 
others may speak if they so will." 

As the Master ceased his words, all arose and 
stood before him. None spoke, for the words ut- 
tered by him had been those which all wished 
spoken and there was no more to say at that 
time. All awaited the movement that was to in- 
troduce them to each other. 

No one seemed willing to break the silence. All 
stood with bowed heads, each one wishing to hear, 
yet not desiring to break into the holy spell that 
seemed hovering over them. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 35 

Again the Master spoke: "Let us all take the 
positions given to us and let each one in turn 
speak that all may know, then to our work for 
which we have been brought together." 

They seated themselves upon the ground in a 
grassy spot where all had previously been at- 
tracted. There in accordance with the forces that 
acted on them, they formed into a circle leaving a 
space of about three feet between them thus allow- 
ing all plenty of room and also placing them where 
they might observe every motion and hear every 
word. But they were soon to learn that even 
words would be unnecessary to them in the condi- 
tion they were placed. 

When they were seated the Master again became 
filled with the spirit. Suddenly his eyes became 
fixed, his limbs trembled and silently he arose, 
glanced at each in turn then spoke as follows: 

"Dear friends of earth, you have been brought to 
this point from 3-our homes to receive some lessons 
of life. When given, you will return and that 
which was given you must in turn be given unto 
the world. As the sun gives its light in turn to 
the nations, so will you give in turn your light 
unto others. As the sun goes on its mission fol- 
lowing each day in its bidden path, so will you 
speak in the same turn as it moves. 

"I come to you through the mouth of he whom 



36 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

you have rightly called the Master. It is because 
he was chosen for his goodness ot" purpose. Yet to 
him will not come the glory, for his is only to 
give. Those who have passed from the life of mor- 
tality to that of immortality, seek instruments 
through whom their thoughts can be impressed. 
We, as a band of ancient workers, have seen the 
growth of knowledge on earth through the instru- 
mentality of this child of earth. His days are num- 
bered and soon he must sleep with his fathers and 
and return to those who sent him and who will 
await his coming to give him greeting in that 
great world of light — welcome him as he enters 
the portal of the home not built by hands — immor- 
tal. 

"To you will be given the knowledge we seek to 
impress upon the world. Possibly not through 
these lips, possibly not through the word of mouth, 
but through the influence that will be brought to 
you through the communion with each other in his 
presence. 

"I will introduce myself to you through these 
lips, then when I come to you in your thoughts, 
in dreams, in visions or in any way, you will know 
me and realize my mission. 

"I am Ardetha, known as the Teacher. I lived 
ages ago, when the world was not of the forma- 
tion it now bears. Your traditions tell you of a 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 37 

great continent that sunk beneath the sea. That 
continent, which you have called Atlantis, was my 
home. I lived as one of its people, yet high in au- 
thority. My wish was an order. My desires were 
attended to and so I grew until there came to me 
a knowledge of something higher than life for an 
individual end. Then life took upon itself a change 
and I was filled with a desire to do something for 
the betterment of my people. I passed among them 
and learned their customs and conditions. I ab- 
sorbed their wisdom and bemoaned their weak- 
nesses and ignorance. Thus was my mind opened. 

"I was not as one of your messiahs, as I did not 
seek to redeem the world, merely to aid it. I did 
not seek to make a new religion, only to encourage 
them in the observance of and inculcate the higher 
principles of life. 

"So my life passed until the time came for the 
birth of the spirit. We knew of this and it came 
to us as a natural event. We did not dread it as 
people of earth now dread the change. We wel- 
comed it, for, with our knowledge, we came closely 
in contact with the loved ones who had gone on 
before and we only hoped for the day when we, 
too, might pass to that condition of life where we 
would be freed from the fetters of earth and be 
permitted to soar beyond the commonplace and 
into those higher elements that constitute true life. 



38 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"With the advent into the new life my work was 
changed. Labors of a new order were shown to 
me and I soon became one of a band of workers 
who have traveled far and near and have given 
thoughts to mankind from those realms through 
peculiarly inspired people whom the world has 
never understood. 

"He whom I am now using as my mouthpiece 
was one whom we have used as our instrument to 
pass the word down the line of life. But as I said 
in the beginning, his time is short. His days are 
numbered. On you we desire his mantle to fall. 
To you we look to give the world our thoughts. 

"And now, beginning on the left and passing 
with the sun, will each tell the story to your neigh- 
bor and then will our work commence. For now 
I say adieu. Fear not! The band that has cared 
for you through all the vicissitudes of this journey 
will be with you and your life will be free while 
here. Tomorrow you will receive instructions and 
will be informed of our future plans. You will not 
continue as you are but this one day. When to- 
morrow's sun rises, met us here and we will furth- 
er instruct you. When 3 7 our stories are told, go 
as the spirit moves. Naught but good will come 
from it." 

The Master's lips ceased. His head, which had 
been proudly elevated dropped upon his chest. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 39 

He sighed, a convulsive shudder passed over his 
body, then his eyes opened, he smiled the childlike 
smile which so rarely failed to captivate his aud- 
itors, and seating himself on a grassy bank asked 
if they had recieved any instructions. 

At this the one upon his left arose in his place 
and began his story: 

"I came from the East. Why I am here is to me 
a mystery. I did not realize that I was one who 
was to be included in the line of those who were 
to be entrusted with that which the words of the 
Teacher just indicated. 

"For years I have been interested in the line 
known as occult. I have had my attention called 
to it many times and have seen much of that pecu- 
liar line of phenomena that is know to the delvers 
in orientalism and the mysteries, although I have 
never considered myself an adept. 

"As I walked along the streets of my native city I 
heard a voice address me, saying, 'Thy brothers 
await thee in a southern clime. Arise, my son, 
gird on thy armor and seek the battle of the right 
and meet with those who are to be with thee in 
the great battle of humanity.' " 

As he paused, all rose to their feet saying in 
chorus, "The very words that were spoken to me!" 

In a moment all were again seated and the story 
continued. 



40 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"I scarcely knew what to do when I heard the 
words. I had business cares, but they were not 
such that I was imperatively compelled to remain 
and attend to in person. I thought long, ardently. 
I questioned the voice again and again, but no 
reply was given. I heard no word except such as 
was given to me in the beginning. No voice spoke 
to me except the one that first greeted me. 

"My feelings of wonder grew upon me and from 
them came feelings of curiosity as regards the voice. 
From whence came it? Whither did it go? Did it 
rise out of the mysterious somewhere and set into 
nothingness? Such, and more were my queries un- 
til I did not know what turn the m3 r stery might 
lead me. 

"The more I thought, the more I wondered at 
its source and the more impatent I became. I 
looked in vain for reply to my queries. No reply 
was vouched me. All w T as still as the silent night 
when I asked, yet an inspiring influence held me 
closeh r and I walked slowly into the valley and 
gradually became convinced that I could not fail 
to heed the mandate of the mysterious voice. 

"As soon as I had so decided I felt an intense 
sense of relief. I rested easier. I slept sounder. 
The strain of a heavy burden was removed from 
me and I soon had no trouble in arranging my 
business matters for an absence, I knew not how 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 41 

extended, neither did I realize its exact destination. 

"As the cold winds of winter passed by, I received 
intimation that it was time to take my departure. 
I wandered towards the west, not knowing exactly 
where I was going, yet everywhere that same 
mysterious power seemed to guide as with a mas- 
ter hand, and every change came as naturally as 
though it had been planned by one skilled in con- 
ducting tourists on a journey. 

"Thus it passed until I found myself upon a ship 
bound for yonder seaport city. I landed without 
any definite idea of what I would do. I sought 
lodgings and as the peace of slumber fell upon me, 
I dreamed. Aye, dreamed! But was it a dream? 
In that dream I saw this place of meeting. I saw 
my companions, for such I now know you to be, 
gathered here as we are now seated, and I was 
told to walk into the forest with no fear. Naught 
but good should befall me. Neither wild beast or 
still wilder man should come near me, and as the 
shades of eve were to fall, I would be led into a 
place where I would find that which I was seeking. 

"I awoke from my dream covered with a fire of 
inspiration. Then I had my awakening and I 
knew that I was to meet with those kindred 
spirits whom I had so longed for and I would in 
some way be made a part of their work.' 

"I traveled all dav through the verdure of the 



4-2 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

tropics and felt inspired with the idea that soon I 
would reach my goal, and true to my ideal, as the 
sun sank into the western sky, I found myself in 
the little city that lies over the hill and rested for 
the night. 

"Scarce had I reached my couch when the spirit 
again took possession of my organism. I dreamed, 
or seemed to dream, that I was again with each 
of you. I saw you one after another and was 
shown your peculiarities of nature. I walked hand 
in hand with you through the transcendental part 
of humanity and then was told by the same voice 
that had before spoken: 'Friend,' it said, 'thou 
hast been true to the powers that worked thy 
good. Today have we been with thy matters of 
earth and they are well. No harm will befall thee 
or them. From this place canst thou commune 
with those left in the busy world but when the call 
comes I will bespeak for us thy entire attention. 
When we do this, we also give thee our promise 
that as thou servest us, so will we requite thee.' 

11 1 seemed asleep, yet was awake. I saw, I heard, 
I replied. I asked, ' Whom do I hearken to ? What 
seekest thou ? Why am I thus taken to a distant 
land and led in these unseeming paths ? Answer.' 

"The voice replied, 'Fear not, my son, as I spake 
to thee in thy earthly home, so do I speak to thee 
here. Knowest thou not that there is a destiny 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 43 

which shapes the ends of all mankind ? That out 
of the wondrous somewhere is a force that speaks 
to man in the deep silence and man hears and 
answers ? This is thy fate. It is thy life. To do for 
the world what thou hast so often wished. We 
asked your life. We. give you ours. Even as thou 
hast cared for others, so thou shalt continue. 
Those who have aided thee shall give more aid, 
for now the door will be opened still wider and by 
a closer union will the man and spirit be united.' 

"'I am known as the Healer. Because I have 
come to heal the ills of humanity, such title has 
been given me. As my representative on earth, thy 
name shall also be known as the Healer and to 
the companions whom thou shalt meet tomorrow, 
by that name shalt thou be known, and by none 
other.' 

" ' Then am I to meet my companions tomorrow?' 
was my response. 

"'Tomorrow,' was the reply. 

"'By what shall I know them?' 

'"By that subtle something that comes to all. 
The still, small voice that tells us when right or 
wrong ; that voice that speaks out of the voiceless 
silence ; that voice which speaks in the tones of 
love, hope, harmony, friendship, truth; that voice 
which has attracted to you those affinities which 
have made thy home and life a band of harmony. 



44 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

That voice will speak and tell the lesson. Thou 
hast been led so far with freedom of action but 
steadfastness of purpose. It is only thus that life 
can be made of value. Freedom to do and dare. 
Steadfastness to pursue to the end that which is 
the object of thy life. Thou hast had an object. 
Few, too few, are thy companions. Thy life should 
be a model to others. Had they objects in life, did 
they but seek to know the plans nature's God has 
ordained for them, and with steadfastness of pur- 
pose seek to carry out these plans, then their lives 
would be better, their hopes more sure of fulfilment. 

"' Humanity is trifling with nature. Not content 
with allowing nature to seek her mature methods, 
humanity seeks to circumvent nature, to overcome 
obstacles that are not to be overcome and to de- 
velop into private sources many of those powers 
she has evolved for humanity as a whole. This 
should not be. It would not be if all could be 
made to understand the force of the potent powers 
that animate it. Then all would learn the lesson 
and profit by it. 

" ' As a healer of nations, you will teach much in 
that direction. Thy mission here is to learn the 
lesson that will be taught, secure an unfoldment of 
being and go forth into the field of labor. The 
harvest is waiting, but few are the harvesters. 

" 'Arise at daybreak. Go forth at sunrise to a 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 45 

point over the crest of the hill. There will the in- 
fluence take thee and lead thee to the testing place.' 

"I followed the instructions of the voice and the 
Healer, or some power led me to this spot where 
within a few moments of my arrival, you, my 
companions, joined me. Further than this I know 
not." 

As he ceased his words and resumed his seat 
there came over his countenance the same change 
that had appeared on the face of the Master. It 
turned first pale, then with a convulsive shudder 
his hands grasped the air, aimlessly, the same 
power that had seemed to take possession of the 
Master appeared to have him in its possession. 
Only for a moment did the tremor remain, 
then with a face radiant with light, the lips moved 
and a voice, unlike any that had before been heard 
said: 

"Friends, I greet you." 

"Greetings," replied all. 

"I speak to you through the organism of one 
whom you will know as the Healer. His story is 
one that you all know as he has told you what 
is to be his part in the labor you have before you. 
My name is unnecessary. In this life names are of 
little value. In your life, where all is governed by 
outward appearance, names are necessary. They 
are requisites. In our life we care less for names 



46 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

and clothes than we do for deeds and words. 
The laws of health are being taught today in a 
way that they never were before, yet it is not 
particularly as a healer of bodies that we will 
work. It is as a healer of nations. If bodily ail- 
ments were all, it would be a simple thing. It is 
the diseases of the body politic that you must 
heal, for without a healthy system of economics, 
it would be impossible to have healtlry men and 
women, healthy conditions of finance, and as both 
of these are essentially prerequisites, happiness is 
to a certain extent made or unmade by it. Lives 
marred or polished. Hopes formed or blasted. 
All, all depends upon the action of the nations and 
they depend upon the actions of individuals taken 
in a collective sense. 

"Before the days of your pilgrimage are over, I 
will have more to say to you through this organ- 
ism and I hope to be one to add my mite to the 
lesson of the world." 

As the Healer stopped speaking, the pallor of the 
earthly representative increased, his head dropped 
to the side, his body collapsed and he rested for a 
moment on the sward. Some would have gone to 
him, but the Master quieted them with a gesture 
and in a moment, with e}-es growing brighter and 
heart pulsating with a blood fired with animation, 
the Healer took his allotted place strong in deter- 
mination. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 47 

When all was again quiet, the Master spoke 
words of appreciation and again the spirit moTed 
he who came next in turn. As in the cases before 
mentioned, there was a slight shudder, the eyes 
closed, after rolling backward, and the person soon 
slept easily while a power animated him. He spoke 
after the style of the former, gave his history, 
opened the way to a new line of work and thus 
they went from one to the other until all had 
spoken. 

It is not necessary for us to repeat the experi- 
ences of all. It is sufficient to say that the expe- 
rience of one had been the experiences of the others. 
They had been called from their vocations to an- 
swer the summons. Not one who could not come 
in answer to the call, as the wise spirits who were 
operating knew that those who were not so fitted 
as to be able to give their time to the labor, were 
not the proper ones to be called. While the laborer 
is worthy of his hire, not many of those who do 
pioneer work are so situated that they can do the 
work without detriment to their own best inter- 
ests and when they do, some one must suffer for 
the work they are doing for others. This is not 
just and right. Reasoning spirits will not ask nor 
permit those with whom they come in contact to 
sacrifice all in their efforts to do a work that 
should be done. 



48 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Certain classes of people deny this, but we know 
by experience that spirit bands who control media 
beyond their powers, or who will not permit them 
to do that which is necessary for themselves and 
families are of a selfish variety and not the kind 
that should be entrusted with the work of devel- 
oping and handling media. 

When the work of the morning was completed 
by the histories of the participants being given, all 
were hungered and would have eaten. This was 
not to be just then. A work was still to be done. 
Instructions were given to close their circle and 
joining hands to facilitate the flow of magnetic 
power, they were soon in the midst of a lesson by 
the leaders. 

As was naturally to be expected, the Master was 
the one who was selected by the controlling intel- 
ligence and through him Ardetha the Teacher spoke 
to those who were with her. 

After having secured control of the mentality, she 
said: "Friends, we are now through with the 
preliminary work of the day. It becomes my duty 
to lead you in the path that will give us the best 
conditions for our work. You have heard each 
other's version of the call and its results. You 
have responded right nobly to all and now, ere we 
pass to other labors, it becomes necessary to ask, 
1 Will all of you agree to carry on the work ? Are 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 49 

you prepared to remain here under the tuition of 
those who have brought you hither until such a 
time as the work has been accomplished ? If not, 
now is the time to withdraw ere the forces have 
fully organized. If yes, then we will proceed at 
once to our work. Let each in turn reply." ' 

Scarcely had the speaker ceased ere all gave re- 
sponse to the question and all agreed fully to 
accept the conditions and carry out the require- 
ments of the higher powers. 

"Then," said the Teacher, "we will proceed at 
once to our work. First, we wish to dissolve all 
bands that connect you with the world so far as 
possible. To aid this, we will go into the forest 
and there among the wilds, will we find that peace 
and quiet we need so much at present. We will 
require you to build each a shelter, for outside of 
the time devoted to our work we do not wish }^ou 
to mingle together in one spot. The union of mag- 
netism at all times is deterimental not only to the 
physical, but to the spiritual as well, and those 
who absent themselves occasionally from those 
with whom they are associated regularly will find 
it a benefit to them in every way. 

"Farther in the forest you will find a suitable 
place. It is on the bank of the stream which 
flows yonder. Its waters are pure and limpid and 
in its depths can be found the brightest of fish. 



50 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

You will watch their gambols, but will not need 
to deprive them of liberty or life, as you will not 
eat flesh food. You will find the forest plentifully 
supplied with the food nature's God has given to 
mankind and from it you will supply your hunger. 
It is not necessary for man to deprive animals of 
their lives for food. That was a necessity in days 
gone by, when man was of a lower origin and 
nature. But now, with the higher development of 
his being, he is gradually unfolding newer powers 
and among them is one that will make him a fruit 
loving and living animal. Have you not heard it 
stated many times within the past few years, both 
in and out of the ranks of occultism that man was 
absorbing much more fruit, that fruit could 
scarcely be produced in sufficient quantity to 
satisfy the demand? Yet more and more will be 
called for, for as each one requires less meat and 
more fruit, the vast ranges where people have 
spent their lives in raising cattle to kill and eat, 
will be changed to vast orchards, where, instead 
of the suffering of the bereaved mother cow for her 
offspring, will be the sweet scented blossom and 
beautifully tinted foliage through which the rapidly 
mellowing fruits will press its way outward and 
show its red and yellow cheeks to those who wait 
its development. No sorrow there, the fruitage of 
the vine, the tree and the shrub will reach its full 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 51 

fruition and then, like the leaf that has done its 
duty by the tree, it will be laid where it will 
accomplish the work for which nature and nature's 
God intended it should be used. 

"But do not think we mean to condemn those 
who have used flesh food in the past. Do you not 
have a saying that man 'should not condemn the 
bridge that carries him over the stream?' Then do 
not condemn the flesh eating that has carried you 
over the stream of life until you were able to live 
without it. Flesh eaters will remain for many 
years. It is not to be expected that vegetables 
and fruits can take its place at once, but with the 
advent of newer forms, the old will gradually pass 
away, life will change until there will no longer 
exist that craving for the flesh of animals and 
men would as soon eat of the insect or serpent as 
of the animal or fish. As soon think of eating his 
own kind as of eating the quadruped. 

"You will now seek your spot and if you can 
not prepare suitable shelter before nightfall, return 
to your places for the night. Tomorrow we will 
have our lessons and will arrange our future work. 
Then farewell till tomorrow." 



CHAPTER IV 



PLANS FOR THE WORK. 



When the Teacher had released the Master from 
the influence, they discussed the proceedings of the 
morning. Although they had met only the day 
before, all seemed to be acquainted with the 
personality of the other. All acted and felt as 
though they had been friends of years instead of 
only the chance acquaintances of a day. And 
should this not be so? Why should humanity be 
strangers one to the other? All are children of the 
one power; all are born under similar conditions; 
all partake of the same food, and all pass through 
similar experiences of life. The,conditions of person- 
ality are not to be considered a part of nature's 
plans. Those conditions are only the artificial 
barriers that man has raised up to prevent others 
from receiving the lines of thought and experiences 
of life that are vouchsafed to him. Arbitrary powers 
and special privileges are not a part of nature or 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 53 

her plans. She has given to all humanity the same 
power, but they have been developed to a greater 
or less degree and man has, by his arbitrary man- 
ner, rulings and customs made many changes that 
ought not to have been made. 

Why should men and women pass each other 
daily for months at a time and fail to pass the 
friendly greeting that both so much desire? Only 
because the tyrant of fashion has placed a ban 
upon them. They know as much of each other 
when they pass and repass each other daily, aye, 
much more, than those who meet by combination 

of circumstances and the formality of Mr. , 

Mrs. , is gone through with. But the one is 

proper according to society, the other not. One 
carries with it a respectable acquaintance, the other 
carries with it a clandestine one, and the young 
lad}' or gentleman, no matter how pure the motive, 
may not speak to a chance conpanion until he has 
fulfilled the custom of "mother Grundy," without 
censure to both persons. 

As our friends had been drawn together by a 
common purpose, they were not hampered with 
these customs of society and chatted with that 
freedom and ease that marks old acquaintances 
and fraternal meetings. 

Finally the Master interrupted the pleasant 
conversation with the remark, "My companions, 



54 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

the day is rapidly passing away. The Teacher 
requested us to pass into the forest and seek our 
home. This, I feel impelled to say, is our duty as we 
have given ourselves to this work and I therefore 
feel that we should pass this pleasant conversation 
until a more appropriate time and seek the forest. 
Possibly before we start, a plan would be necessary 
and we can not find a more congenial place to 
discuss our plans than the one we now occupy. 
What say }^ou?" 

" Agreed," said all in chorus. "What have you 
to present?" 

"Nothing," was the reply, "I stand ready to be 
moved by the desire of all. One of the first lessons 
we should learn is that all have equal rights. 
Humanity has suffered too much by the idea of 
authority. United we must accomplish this work. 
It was understood that I did not possess any 
authority that was not possessed by all of you, 
that I was merely a leader and an advisor. When 
a question is to be decided in our labors, it must 
be decided by a common discussion in which all 
have equal rights. The lesson we must first learn 
is the lesson of self-abnegation. That all must 
unite in the unity of the body realizing that what 
is best for one is best for all. That what will 
conduce to the benefit of a community will be con- 
ducive to the best interests of each individual con- 
nected with it. Speak your thoughts." 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 55 

"Let us pass into the forest on the right," 
said one after a short pause, during which all 
seemed lost in thought, "then we will be led by 
the powers that guide us and will reach the 
proper place with the least possible delay." 

This proving agreeable they turned to the right 
and found a slight opening that promised pleas- 
ant ingress and passing quietly along they moved 
into the forest and passed from view. 

Scarcely had the branches of the trees closed 
over them than the master turned sharply and 
following an almost unmarked path, he had nearly 
passed out of sight of his friends before they 
realized his movements. Hurrying along they 
soon reached him and passing quietly they moved 
through the luxuriance of a tropical forest. 

Thus they traveled in silence for about half an 
hour. Then they came to an opening similar in 
form and appearance to the one they had left. 
They passed through it, and entered the forest on 
the other side where a density of shade indicating 
something of a more imposing nature than the 
simple forest seemed to present itself. Under the 
trees the Master paused and, turning to his com- 
panions, said, "Friends, see how the wisdom of 
our suggestor is manifested. Here is food for all 
for a long time. My advice is that we satisfy the 
cravings of hunger and then see if we cannot find 
a suitable spot for our encampment near here." 



56 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

They gathered the fruit and seated themselves 
under a tree, eating as they beguiled the time with 
conversation, song and merry jest, for all seemed 
filled with the spirit of life and did not see the 
necessity for being continually devoted to the som- 
bre. So they rested from their walk and refreshed 
themselves with the fruit that nature supplied so 
lavishly. 

When all declared themselves sufficed, they again 
started on their journey. Shall we say started? 
They scarcely did that. They merely prepared to 
start when they caught the sound of running 
water. " Strange," said one, "that we have not 
noticed that before. Let us seek it as on its banks 
we may find a suitable place for our encampment. 
Fruit we have in abundance. If water is also here 
it will be an ideal spot for our purposes as the 
open is not to be improved upon for our morning 
bath of sunlight." 

All having agreed to this, they passed rapidly in 
the direction of the sound arid soon came upon a 
clear, limpid stream, flowing over a series of water- 
falls and fed by springs that came from the mossy 
bank upon which they stood as they caught the 
first glimpse of a beautiful river. 

"An ideal spot," was the unanimous cry. "Let 
us build our homes." 

As this seemed to be the mind of all, they imme- 



57 

diately prepared to establish themselves on and 
near the bank of the stream, each one selecting a 
spot that seemed to him more suitable for his 
immediate surroundings than any other. As all 
agreed, no two desired the same spot, and as all 
united their labors, their homes were soon arranged. 
As they had left their belongings at the stopping 
places they had engaged in the village, they decided 
to pass the night in their respective places and 
meet at sunrise at the new goal. 

Scarcely had the sun's rays reached the open 
than they all arrived. Strange as it may seem, 
neither had seen the other since they parted on the 
previous evening and they had reached the goal 
from several different directions, yet each one was 
led infallibly to the appointed spot. Each had also 
found something that would be of advantage to 
them in their camp life and all were in exuberant 
spirits as they gathered for their morning service. 
Forming themselves into their circle as they had 
on previous occasions they were deep in the myste- 
rious work — or mysterious to some. They passed 
a few minutes in silent meditation, invariably in- 
voking the higher powers of the universe to meet 
with them and inspire them with the wisdom and 
power that was necessary to bring deep thoughts 
to them. In this way they were engaged when 
they perceived the influence acting upon the Master 
and in a moment he spoke: 



58 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"Friends of earth, we are now prepared to ex- 
plain to you our labors and to seek your aid. It 
is necessary to have a class of workers upon the 
earth through whom we can hold the forces we 
require. Every occult class of work requires this. 
Messiahs are only the climax of this line, then 
comes the new era. 

"Two thousand }'ears is a cycle of time, but 
this cycle is divided into trinities by the plan of ages. 
Three times in an age of the world does the power 
of the spirit world make itself manifest and holds 
itself strongly before the people, and three times 
does it die out and the world seemingly passes 
through a period of darkness, similar to that period 
in 3' our history that you denominate the "Dark 
Ages." In the time which history records for you, 
will be found The Buddha, The Christ, Mohammed, 
Luther, all parts of the great system and as you 
will note, each about the third of an era of two 
thousand yesivs apart. 

"This demonstrates the position that we take 
in the matter. Today an epoch in the present era 
is being operated and soon there will come to us or 
rather to you, a series of workers who will be 
known to the world as those whose names we have 
used have become known to you. While one person 
is usually singled out as the individual who has 
occasioned all this, it can not be truthfully said 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 59 

that the individual is the prime cause of it. He 
is only an incident in the great plan of forces that 
are above him. In the beginning of the Christian 
era, appeared John the Baptist, who had received 
the knowledge, and unto him was given the power 
of discerning the forthcoming messiah. He knew 
that he was only the forerunner and not the climax 
of the operative labor. 

"We are now approaching one of these climaces 
in which the world will be given new light. As 
the Essenes of the past were a class into whose 
hands the power was given, so are the Spiritual- 
ists of today given the power and knowledge to 
receive and to interpret the will of those powers 
which are working for enlightenment. 

"As the Essenes were condemned, accused and 
received the opprobrium of the nations, so are the 
Spiritualists of today receiving the curses of those 
in power, especially of those in ecclesiastical power. 
It is for this reason that we have called you to- 
gether. Here, in the fastnesses of the tropics, with 
all that is necessary for our unfoldment, we wish 
to give you a development, an unfoldment, that 
will cause you to know the facts and to receive 
us as we will come to } t ou to transmit what we 
deem necessary. As the 'Wise Men' followed the 
path to the manger-cradle of Bethlehem, so will an 
unfolded band meet the one who is to come. 



60 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"Our friend through whom we come is not the 
greatest, but he is the last of a line whom we had 
developed years ago, and today he is teaching you 
what he received in a similar way years ago, when 
he was in his prime. His labor is nearly done and 
possibly ere you leave this spot, he may join us. 
You will take his place and when you, too, shall 
have passed through the experiences of life, we 
will give to the last of you an experience similar 
to the one we are now giving to this one. 

"We will now talk of the lessons that you will 
receive. 

"It is necessary that we should give you the in- 
formation that we deem right for the best interests 
of humanity. That will be embodied in a series of 
lessons given in this way, but not all through the 
instrumentality of this mouthpiece. We may come 
direct, and you need expect it at any time, so do 
not be agitated if you have a visitor who comes 
not at your bidding or seeks not to deal with you 
in mortal ways. 

"Your topics will be many. What will you that 
we give you for your first lesson?" 

The Master stopped. From his eyes gleamed a 
wondrous light as though he had been in com- 
munion with the gods. As though nature had 
opened her widest portals and had bid him gather 
at the granary and drink at the fountains. His 



61 

face shone with a mighty power and he seemed 
transformed. 

"What will you for your first lesson?" again he 
repeated. 

"Most mighty power," said one "it little be- 
hooves us to seek even by choice to ask or de- 
mand of thee what thou wilt give us. We seek to 
learn. 

"Thou seekest to learn? then ask that ye may 
receive; knock that the fountain of nature may be 
opened unto thee. Thou seekest to learn? Of what 
wist ye that ye need most? Answer I pray." 

"The lesson of life is that which I most need. 
What is life? what its object? from whence came it? 
whither goeth it? why am I? truly do the queries 
come faster than my brain can act. Most noble 
Teacher, it is in humiliation I come before thee. I 
I seek thy presence and crave that I may receive 
but the crumbs." 

"Let not your lips again essay to speak words 
of that kind. Nay, I do not chide, I but advise. 
Receive the crumbs! no! no! Be manly! stand upon 
the power of thy manhood. Be not too forward; 
but be not craven. Ask and receive. Place thy- 
self upon the pedestal of self-dependence, but do 
not place thyself upon the pedestal of self-exaltation. 
There is the error. Place thyself in the position 
of one who can and will attempt to do all that 



62 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

his nature will permit. But place not thyself on 
the pedestal of selfishness lest thou fallest to the 
earth of thy own craven weight. Reach upward 
and on but with charity and forbearance. Now 
till tomorrow and the lesson of life then." 



CHAPTER V. 



A LESSON ON LIFE. 



"When you ask me of life, you ask one of the 
greatest questions that could be formulated. That 
subtle something which animates every particle of 
matter in the vast universe; that causes the stars 
to shine, the suns to give off their heat, the myri- 
ads of nebulas to shine with phosphorescent glow; 
all are animated by a form of life. 

"The planets whirl in majestic splendor by the 
same force, while every animate and inanimate 
thing on the face of the vast bodies which float so 
lightly in their airy expanse, all, all are animated 
by that subtle thing that we call life. 

"Life is a combination of two degrees. Life in 
an individual and a collective sense. Collective life 
is as before stated : It comprising all that is ; but 
branching from it is that which you more particu- 
larly refer to — individual life. 

"Individual life is a partnership entered into be- 



64 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

tween a certain number of particles of matter that 
agree to fulfil certain requirements, and for a longer 
or a shorter time to sustain certain relations to- 
ward each other. 

"To produce this condition, there must be a 
union of the positive and negative forces, the male 
and female elements, and that condition prevails 
no matter what the individual life consists in — 
whether animal, vegetable or mineral — for mineral 
contains and consists of life as much as does ani- 
mal or vegetable. 

"Then the first essential for life is an exciting 
force. Where it came from we will not attempt to 
answer. None of those with whom we come in 
contact know its inception; they only know its re- 
sults after years, yes, ages, of development from 
the crude to the finer and as it always travels in 
an upward direction, always tends towards some- 
thing higher, it slowly produces all the elements 
that are so vaguely hinted at in the work of those 
who are seeking to investigate the subtle forces of 
nature. 

"It is sufficient to say that all matter is increas- 
ing as are the animals and vegetables. Not by 
that do we mean that it is increasing in number 
but is increasing in quantity. Physical science has 
told us that there is no adding to or taking from, 
as to add or extract one atom would break the 
delicate balance of the universe. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 65 

"This is not correct. The balance of the universe 
is being continually broken, and it is for this rea- 
son that the phenomena we observe in connection 
with the meteorological conditions of the world are 
so uncertain. That by no method that has yet 
been evolved by physical scientists have we been 
enabled to weigh, measure, and to a certainty learn 
the exact positions of the planets and whether the 
plane of the ecliptic is exact and uniform, or if it is 
not changed by the continual movements of the 
particles of the universe. 

"The last is true, but it does not properly belong 
with this lesson. 

"The life of an individual does not commence when 
the physical conditions necessary to produce an en- 
tirely new physical body are brought about. On 
the contrary, vast forces have been and are now 
at work to produce it. The mere act that results 
is not the prime mover, but back of all this is a 
series of causes that have operated through the 
subtle forces of nature for possibly ages and the 
particles have held their comparative relationships 
possibly many times. 

"What happens when a soul is to be born? 
Plrysical conditions are brought about not by any 
arbitrary power, not by a premeditated act of the 
soul that is to be habilitated, but by those powers 
of which we know so little and should know so 



66 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

much, there is set in motion a counterpart of your 
physical dynamo, which we might denominate the 
celestial dynamo, and particles that have an affin- 
ity for each other are thereby attracted and agree 
to form a co-operative commonwealth for the time 
being. 

"These particles consist of negative and positive 
atoms, male an female elements, and they come 
together in unison and are held together by the 
affinity that is shown throughout nature, even in 
the most plastic as well as in the hardest sub- 
stances, in animate as in inanimate life. 

"The particles being established, it becomes an 
easy thing to maintain them and as every plastic 
substance takes the form of the matrix in which it 
is cast, so whatever this form that it is attracted 
to, it conveniences itself to it and assumes and 
holds it so long as the desire is there. 

"Mineral substances are those of the lowest order 
of life. The magnetic attraction that holds them 
together is of such a nature that it is bound by 
almost indestructible bands. It is held by the 
strongest attraction. It maintains a relationship 
that is held for ages, because in that condition, 
with no special development and little of the spir- 
itual element, it is long before it can realize its 
individuality and evolve to a point where it can 
maintain itself on the soul plane of nature. 



ARDETKA, THE TEACHER. 67 

"The cohesive forces of nature are not different, 
except in degree, whether the co-partnership of life 
pertains to animal, vegetable or mineral; only in the 
power of the cohesive force. In the mineral it 
holds tenacously while in other substances it holds 
with less tenacity or b\ r a combination it is broken 
into fragments and these do not apply in the same 
sense. 

"Let us take some plastic substance, like putty. 
This is a combination of two forms of life. The 
attractive forces of one are overcome by the repul- 
sive forces of the other. Whiting has no partic- 
ular attraction in its particles while the oil has a 
peculiar attraction of its own, similar to all 
liquids, but of so volatile a nature that these 
particles of life are ready to give up their individ- 
uality and assimilate themselves with anything 
else that may cohere or have a similar force. 
Without this it would be impossible for any chemi- 
cal laboratory to successfully experiment. Then 
the identity of a certain system of cells can be des- 
troyed or disintegrated by the application of other 
forces. 

"As the elements of life in the oil come in con- 
tact with the elements of death in the whiting, 
the force of certain life particles is destroyed and 
the result is a substance that contains some of 
the elements of cruder life form, but the finer are 



68 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

expelled and the resultant is dead, or practically 
dead matter, which can not be again rehabilitated 
except by reducing to its elements and the addition 
of new life to it. Even then, unless its form is 
changed exceedingly, the infusion of new life will 
only vivify it for a short time when it is again in 
its deadened condition. 

"But such combinations are not made by the 
voluntary action of the particles themselves. When 
the particles, by natural selection draw themselves 
together, then the resultant partnership is real life 
and not combination life and it is much more 
potent. 

"Mineral life disintegrates and feeds the lowest 
forms of vegetable life. On the face of the granite 
rock is the coarse litchen. Not truely a moss — 
merely a litchen of the coarsest quality. It can 
only be that when it absorbs its nutriment and 
gathers its particles on so crude a base. But in 
time this litchen will give life. On its face will ap- 
pear a higher order of life that will in turn pro- 
duce a germ of a still higher order and in that 
way the truth of the theory of evolution is demon- 
strated. 

"You will ask if man has evolved in a direct line 
from the family of quadrumanna, and I will 
answer yes and no. While this is an anamoly, 
it is true. Man has evolved from this branch of 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 69 

the lower animals, yet the long looked for "miss- 
ing link" will never be found. The reason for this 
is that there is no direct line from one to. the 
other. It is not that man comes as a direct pro- 
duction of one of the quadrumanna, but that the 
particles that were so related for ages had finally 
evolved a power and degree of refinement that 
they were enabled to encompass a brain with the 
limited power of the primitive man. 

"Thus, as the quadrumanna were developed from 
the race of quadrupeds, as the dexterity of the 
quadrumanna became so complete, the form of the 
pelvic bones gradually changed until the true 
biped was produced. 

"That this is a true statement can be proven by 
the most obtuse among the world's people if they 
will but examine the formation of the different 
classes of the monkey and ape tribe, then begin 
at the lowest form of man and from there go to 
the highest, and while you will find what is called 
"stooped" you will not find that the lower order 
of man has the same formation of pelvic anatomy 
as the higher. While this is not so marked as to 
attract attention of the cursory examiner, it is so 
marked that one who will examine it after having 
his attention called to it cannot fail to realize it. 

"Thus we have taken up the varying forms of 
life until we reach that which you refer to in 



70 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

your question. That form of life which we con- 
sider the highest evolution of the present day and 
which is found in the Caucasian race. 

"In olden days, the Caucasian was not known. 
He was a later evolution. In the days in which I 
trod the earth, the Aryan races were in the ascend- 
ant and they ruled by their superior brain power 
as now they are being ruled by the superior brain 
power of the race which has supplanted them. 

"As man evolved, he unfolded a consciousness 
outside of the mere animal. Immortality is 
and always has been hoped for. Hope has car- 
ried the man of the cave into a future and his 
mysterious musings have drawn him into a line 
that has evolved the god idea of the past. The 
greatest of these is the worship of the sun as it is 
now called. But as is stated elsewhere, they did 
not worship the sun for itself, they merely 
worshiped in symbolic form, the great procreative 
forces of the universe in which they found them- 
selves placed. 

"Man is on earth as a part of that great plan 
that nature has so thoroughly laid out for the 
production, development and ultimately, destruc- 
tion of all things. His life is but one part of 
nature's plan and it will continue to be thus 
carried out until something is developed that will 
be much grander than anything we now dare to 
dream. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 71 

"Do I think that man will be destroyed? We have 
examined carefully as possible into this question 
and we are not prepared to make a definite answer. 
It seems hardly possible that all this should have 
been evolved and from it nothing should come but 
ultimate annihilation, yet it is the order of things. 
We have not 3 r et seen the definite conclusion of a 
single soul; but we are not prepared to say that 
none have thus terminated. 

"Even from our position, which is not of the 
lowest, there are continual disappearances in our 
realm. Where do they go? Did you ever hear of 
Swedenburg? He stated that in his exalted mo- 
ments he was taken from his body and carried 
into the depths of space and that while there he 
witnessed the death of souls; that is he witnessed 
them going into one of the great heavens or hells 
with which he understood these nether worlds 
were occupied. 

"We have not witnessed one of these in a literal 
sense but we know that there are places of rest 
for some, punishment for others and in the end 
they receive their reward and are ready for what- 
ever is cousidered b} r their superior powers to be 
the ultimate of their life. 

"But while here in your existence, you must carry 
out the plans of life. They are manifold. They 
must make of humanity a part of the great plan. 



72 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Your life is laid out for you like any plan that is 
to be carried out by an architect. Drawings made 
by the architect are handed to the workman and 
he is to carry them out in their entirely. Impressed 
upon the sensorum of the newly born individual is 
a plan of life. Pressed by something that he does 
not fully realize, pushed b} T the powers that are 
back of him, nature's laws, he is ever forced to 
take up the plan of life that makes a road before 
him and he follows the beaten path as freely as he 
follows in the path of the planet upon which he 
happens to be placed when the incident of life 
opens to him. 

"His mission in life is to develop himself and the 
particles of which he is composed. The soul or 
finer part of him is evolved as he develops; and in 
accordance with the ideas that he advocates, the 
life that he lives and the actions of his mortal, 
which are impressed upon his immortal, there is 
a decided development for the soul forces that 
animate him, 

"I love to tell this story of life. It places man- 
kind in such a high position, while it takes away 
that great incentive to become bigoted, con- 
ceited, extravagant in their actions, assumptive. 
That is the curse of life. When people take upon 
themselves that which makes them appear to be 
more than they are, they receive a crude develop- 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 73 

ment that leaves the particles of which their co- 
partnership is composed in a cruder state than 
they should be. 

"Be not overcome with the ideas of your own 
magnificence. Thou art only the stepping-stone for 
the gods — if I may be permitted an expression 
that means much to those who take the theistic 
idea of God. 

"As you pass through life, strive to do as little 
harm and as much good as possible. Take as thy 
motto, T may pass this way but once; therefore 
let me do as much good and as little harm as pos- 
sible. Let me so arrange my home that it will be 
a mundane heaven; let me so arrange my life that 
those with whom I come in contact will have 
naught but blessings for me ; let me so shape my 
ends that when the day comes for the great exam- 
ination, I will be weighed and found not wanting.' 

"Think what life would be if such things ani- 
mated instead of the selfish hopes and fears of the 
present ; yet this is in accord with the advance 
of the day. When primitive man first realized his 
life, he gloried in his strength. The great king of 
beasts lies in the forest and with a blow of his 
mighty paw he crushes the doe that comes within 
reach of his bound. He sends forth his mighty roar 
and the beasts of the jungle cower lower. It is the 
fear of strength that makes him thus, and he fears 



74 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

not to meet all his foes for he knows that strength. 

"Primitive man was of a similar nature. He 
knew his strength and with the subtle cunning 
that he added to his strength, he utilized the rocks, 
the branches, the bones and sinews of his victims, 
until he stood like a very avalanche of terror in the 
minds of the life he came in contact with. Today 
he has only increased that fear. He is known as 
a butcher. He fights not as did the savage, but 
to show his prowess! Not for what he maintains 
is right, always, but for patriotism which is some- 
times just— sometimes unjust. 

"But man's development and his life are always 
tending to a higher life. They are always tending 
towards something better, and wars and blood- 
shed are but items in that great plan which re- 
quires the darkness as well as the light; the bad 
as well as the good ; the bloodshed as well as the 
healing of wounds ; disease as well as health. All 
are a part of life. 

My friends, look upon life, then, as only a part 
of nature's plan. Your hopes and fears are not as 
the multitude. Great cataclysms sometimes accom- 
plish great good. Sometimes it makes, again it 
unmakes nations. Good and evil are relative. But 
seek to embody all that is good as much as pos- 
sible. 

"Let } r our thoughts rest on that which is bright. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 75 

Open your hearts and welcome all that is bright, 
and when the dark days of despair arrive, seek not 
to overthrow them, but strive to learn the lesson 
they would teach to you. 

Silver linings deck the darkest cloud, 

And golden sunbeams shine so bright above; 
The darkness murmurs not so very loud, 

It speaks the words of Nature's wondrous love. 
The stars that set upon the summer sky, 

Meet other loved ones further on the way; 
The light that's gone returns, and by and by 

They're here to welcome us another day. 

So Spirits that we love, who pass away, 

And greet us from the shores of distant lands, 
Though we may miss them, do we say to stay? 

Oh, no ! we reach out to them with loving hands: 
So when the particles of which man makes 

That body that he wears and which we love, 
And death's sad messenger comes in and takes 

Our loved ones to a home in heaven above, 

Then let us stretch to them a willing hand 

And help them on the journey to that shore; 
Some day the door will ope and they will stand 

And welcome us where they have gone before. 
Our lives, our hopes, our hearts, are all we know ; 

Our loves will often smooth the pathway rough; 
And as we wander through the earth's dark glades 

And think the life we live is bad enough, 

Just let us open wider that small door 

That yearns to clasp some mortal to our hearts; 



76 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

And as we lift them prostrate from the floor, 
Our friends will aid us till the darkness parts. 

So let your life be full of joy and glee! 
Fill every action with immortal hope! 

Then will you live your life so free 
You'll find no darkness and will never grope. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE DOUBTER AND THE TEACHER. 

After the session in which the Lesson of Life was 
given the morning meetings were of a general 
nature. Each morning the Teacher assumed con- 
trol of the Master, talked of matters of moment, 
discussed the plans and fancies of the friends and 
gave them wholesome advice as to their methods 
of life and action. , 

So it had gone until they were again ready for a 
lesson. As they were discussing the course after 
one of the meetings one said, "It is wonderful to 
me that the Teacher can so completely shut out 
the mentality of the Master so as to give us all 
the information in so direct a manner. How is it 
done?" 

Naturally all had an opinion. One decided it was 
done through a control of the brain — an action in- 
duced by molecular induction. Another thought 
the action simply a part of the mysterious force 



7S ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

known as hypnotism, while others decided in their 
own minds that thought, by some mental action 
unknown to man could be transmitted from one 
brain to another. But one decided that it was the 
action of brain acting on another brain and no 
spirit was connected with it. His was a theor}*- 
of personal mental action. 

To this all objected. Could it be possible that 
an independent brain could be so acted upon by 
another that was hundreds, possibly thousands of 
miles away ? By what process did the brain act ? 

To this the doubter replied: "Friends, I am one 
with you in this work although I do not accept 
the theories you so firmly hold. Possibly at some 
time I may receive the light as you have it. Why 
I was chosen I know not. I am here in accord- 
ance with the dictates of the same unknown power 
that has animated you. I act as you act, but I 
think as I think. To this you can not take excep- 
tions. I am only what that great productive 
power of nature has made me. I am not what I 
would be, neither are any of you. 

"Productive forces, of which we know almost 
nothing, acted to produce me. The same forces 
acted to produce you. Can you tell why the mat- 
ter that produced you did not produce an ani- 
mal of another class ? Can you tell why the matter 
that produced you produced one of the male in- 
stead of the female gender ? 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 79 

"You cannot. Neither can you tell why the 
power that produced your brain enabled you to 
accept a matter which I do not. You must then 
conclude that your life is made up for you by that 
productive force. 

"It is my opinion, and to that opinion I have as 
much logical right as any other individual who 
lives, that spirits have nothing to do with the 
phenomena we have witnessed." 

"Would you conclude that we have operated to 
deceive ourselves?" asked the Healer. 

"By no means, my brother, far from accusing one 
of our number with a deliberate attempt to de- 
ceive, I am thoroughly convinced of the contrary. 
How were we so mysteriously led and acted upon 
as to come unerringly to this spot from our respect- 
ive homes ? How did this force act upon us in the 
same manner ? Oh, no ! far from accusing, I honor 
each and all of you and seek only to prove or dis- 
approve my theory." 

At this the Master rose and said: "Friends, this 
discussion is one that could not have been avoided. 
It has come in regular line and I welcome it. 
Every body must have a doubter and a questioner. 
If it was not so, the world would not stand in as 
high a position as it does today. Even the mes- 
siah of old chose of the people one who betrayed 
him, yet was this betrayer the one who had the 
greatest faith." 



80 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"How is that possible? queeried the Doubter. 

"It is possible in this way. Dost think, dear 
Doubter, that Judas would have betrayed his Lord 
to whom he was so much attached did he not 
think that it would redound to his credit ? Wouldst 
thou, even from the short acquaintance thou hast 
had with us, thy bretheren, seek to give us into 
the hands of those who would stone or hang us 
unto the end of this life? Most certainly not. 
Thou wouldst not formulate the words that would 
give one of thy companions unto the rack or the 
cell. But suppose thy faith was greater than thy 
judgment ? What then ? Wouldst hesitate to give 
unto the authorities if thou supposedst thy friend 
possessed that subtle power that would annihilate 
all opposition ? 

"Judas believed his Lord. He thought not for a 
moment would he be in danger. The Father in 
whom he trusted would appear and discomfit his 
antagonists and he believed implicitly that the 
father could send myriads of angels whose power 
could not be overcome. Friend Doubter, Judas 
was a victim to his own faith. The lesson of the 
Cross was his downfall and if further proof is nec- 
essary, he hanged himself in remorse." 

"My Master, thy lesson is indeed good. Oh, ye 
of little faith, know ye not that sometimes it may 
be of wondrous benefit to thee ? Indeed is this 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 81 

true. But, Master, that doth not answer the 
query of my soul. How shall I know that from 
the elements there exists an entity, spiritualized 
and entitized until it makes a being truly human, 
yet divine. Truly physical, yet spiritual. That 
comes to man as we hope it does, yet in my mind 
is but the action of one brain upon another?" 

"By that reasoning power that lies inherent in 
the crudest of mankind if thou wilt but use it, 
Doubter. Let the question be asked of thyself, 
'Whence cometh the thought that is breathed out 
to me ? Canst tell ? By what subtle force cometh 
the thought that would be formulated? Ask but 
a question and the answer is there. Where, in the 
vast universe, did the thought exist before it was 
called to thy center? Did it float unaided through 
space awaiting thy call? If so, why does it not 
come at any and all times when called for?" 

"The universe is a vast storehouse of energy. 
It holds in its grasp all that man desires. He has 
but to call and it is there. He has but to desire 
and all will be given to him." 

"Ah, Doubter, thou hast well spoken. In na- 
ture's capacious storehouse is a wondrous store 
of knowledge and it is to be had for the asking. 
But not for the asking alone. It is to be had for 
the asking and that asking must be combined 
with great determination, an effort to do and an 



82 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

ability to undertake and carry to a successful sequel. 

"Does the child covet learning? Most of them 
do. None desire ignorance and depravity. All 
wish to know. But it requires the efforts of years. 
They become discouraged with life, with the effort 
to learn and it is only by the continued efforts of 
parents and guardians that they are continued in 
the path of knowledge. It comes not for the ask- 
ing without labor. 

"Does the man seek knowledge beyond himself? 
Ask he who scans the sky if he knows that which 
he seeks to know. What his heart asks for. 
What he demands with the highest ardor of his 
being. No, no, friend Doubter, he but seeks it 
with bowed head and weary eyes. W T ith his glass 
he scans the heavens and seeks that which calcu- 
lation shows him must be there. Sometimes he is 
rewarded, sometimes he is not. But the day comes 
when a Hershell is succeeded by a Proctor and 
there is a new discovery that a Hershell dreamed 
of, desired in his thought, demanded of the powers 
of the universe, but it came not. It comes to some 
future. 

"So thoughts are not things. They are ideals. 
Things are real. Ideals are realities hoped for. 
The thought is father to the thing and by effort 
thou shalt gain the coveted goal. 

"Thinkers are dreamers. The\^ while away the 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 83 

time with ideals and lose sight of the reality. 
They send out an ideal and some realizer comes 
forward and secures the reward of realizing the 
ideal. Making it an entity instead of a chimera. 
Thus wilt thou learn the lesson if thou wilt but 
watch the world in its labors. Think of the past. 
Is it not so?" 

"Indeed 'tis most true, my Master, and with all 
my soul I thank thee for these words. Say you 
not so, my brothers?" 

"Indeed 'tis so," replied all. 

"To teach that it is indeed the spirit and not a 
wandering thought floating on the sea of space 
will be thy lesson while here. Thou wilt see much 
and possibly will thyself experience the effort — aye, 
so says the Teacher unto me. When we meet on 
the morrow, w T ill we learn the wondrous power 
that operates through humanity and the methods 
adopted to carry out the work. Today, unless the 
Teacher so wills, we will not seek further com- 
munication." 

When the Master had spoken all arose to go 
but as they did, they saw in the appearance of 
their leader's face that the power had more to say. 
They remained in respectful attitude until the 
Master's head arose from the resting posture and 
then he spoke: 

"Friends, I welcome 3 T our discussion. You seek 



S4 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

to know. That is right. Do not give of your life 
to anything that you can not know. Faith is 
well, but faith in itself is not trustworthy. It is 
misleading. Faith calls us into the world of 
chance. Knowledge carries us into the world of 
reality. We were working upon you for a purpose 
and it was the work we were doing that caused 
the turn in your conversation this morning. To- 
night, when the stars shine, meet us at this place 
and we will prove to our friend, the Doubter, that 
it is not a mere phantasy, not a floating line of 
thought, but a reality and a person who comes to 
you. Lest it should interfere with our work, I 
will not tell you now what is in store. But 
Ardetha speaks and she never misstates. Her 
word is inviolable. Then meet us as the stars 
rise in the eastern sky and come with thy hearts 
full and thy stomach not filled to repletion. Till 
then, adieu." 

When Ardetha had withdrawn her influence from 
the Master all remained and discussed the new 
plan that had been adopted. All were pleased 
and all were ready to deny themselves the surfeit 
of food that was requested. But the Master, 
having before experienced the promised meetings, 
told them not to deny themselves all that was 
necessary. "W T e will have what is called a circle,' ' 
said he, "and you should go to it with your minds 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 85 

and bodies clear and undenled with aught that 
would cause unpleasant feelings. A surfeit of food 
would be detrimental to your enjoyment of any 
class of pleasure or profit; so while you should 
eat what is necessary, do not overload your 
stomachs. And now as we have not yet break- 
fasted, let us go to our never-ending fountain of 
life and eat of that fruit that nature has so 
bountifully supplied us with and drink at her 
crvstal fountain.' 1 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE TEACHER MATERIALIZED. 

The day passed slowly by and to the friends, as 
they wandered about the forest and communed 
with each other, nature and their own inner beings, 
it was a long one. All were impatient to learn 
what was in store for them. Were they to receive 
some manifestation of power higher than they had 
before witnessed ? The evening only could tell. As 
the sun neared its western horizon they met on 
the banks of the stream where it had been their 
custom to greet each other every evening, and soon 
were engaged in conversation. All were animated 
and anxious except the Master. He simply smiled 
as they wondered audibly and prognosticated. He 
alone of the six friends gathered there knew what 
to expect and he held his peace. 

"Master, can you not enlighten us?" asked the 
Doubter. 

"Peace!" said the Master. "Be not too curious. 
Remember that the desire to know more than 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 87 

should be known at the time has been the bane of 
many lives. It is that which has caused many 
heart-aches and many sorrows. It is, indeed, a bad 
habit, and anyone who is prone to seek to learn 
things that at the time do not concern him will 
some day find that the serpent will turn. It is 
this great curiosity that has led to many of the 
scandals that have disgraced society and has in- 
jured many an innocent person beyond repair. 
Strive to overcome that tendency which seems so 
developed in you that it is well nigh impossible 
for you to restrain it. Yet not to you alone do I 
apply these remarks. To myself they also apply. 

"Had the Teacher desired that you should know 
what was in store for you, the information would 
have been given to you. As she did not, I will not 
venture to do what our leader did not see fit to- 
do personally. 

"Man's desire to know that which is not for 
him, and to imagine much that he does not really 
know, has been the bane of his life. He has fol- 
lowed the steps of others before him, has added to 
the imagination of others and ere he knows his 
error, he has done everlasting injury to some. 
Heed this and hold in check that wild tendency to 
merely gratify the curiosity. Only a few hours and 
3'ou will know all." 

The sun slowly set behind the western horizon. 



88 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

Its golden beams decked the clouds with a tinge 
of silver, gold and ruby. As it sank out of sight, 
the tinges faded and soon the stars, those silent 
messengers of night, slowly presented themselves. 
To the west, in pristine beauty, lay low upon the 
horizon the beautiful evening star, which gleamed 
like the Star of Bethlehem as they moved slowly 
into the open and took their places. 

Scarce had they ranged themselves when the 
Master spoke: "Friends, tonight will you realize 
the fulness of the power that is with us. Many 
years ago I sat as you now sit, waiting for the 
message you are waiting for, and as anxiously as 
you. Since that time many seasons have come and 
gone. Mam^ changes have developed and yet I am 
blessed by being with you tonight to again wit- 
ness the grandest of all lines of phenomena that 
proves immortality. Let us sing that inspiring 
hymn that has been sung in spirit and will doubt- 
less be sung on this occasion." 

Oh, spirit, with the form divine, 

At rest in heaven above, 
Let every light around us shine 

And bless us with thy love. 

Come to us in our waking hours, 

Come to us in our sleep; 
Come bless us with thy quickening power, 

And watch around us keep. 



89 

Here, as we meet to welcome you, 

Inspire each earthly heart; 
Make every one live good and true, 

Cause each to do his part. 

And when we meet on heaven's shore, 

Beyond all earthly care, 
Teach us that we may do still more, 

And all thy blessings share. 

As the song progressed there came a change over 
the face of the Master and although his head 
dropped low, his voice was the clearest, his tones 
the purest. As he seemed going more and more 
under the influence, he sang until a clear, bright 
soprano rang through the forest and reverberated 
from the side of the mountain, up the gullies and 
was lost in its distant echo. 

As the song neared its end, he sank low upon 
the ground and they would have gone to him but 
he beckoned them away. As the last echoes of the 
words died away he lay resting easily against the 
sward. Then, as all looked, a voice that they^ did 
not recognize spoke slowly and distinctly, say r ing, 
"Friends, wc greet you. From the shores of im- 
mortality we come to you to satisfy- the doubts of 
the Doubter as well as the others. I speak to you 
while preparations are going on for other work. 
Be not surprised or startled. Remember that all is 
to teach you the ravsterv of life mortal and 



90 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

immortal. I speak not with the tongue of the 
mortal, but of the immortal. My voice is inde- 
pendent of any mortal form. Thus do I speak to 
you." 

While the voice was speaking all gazed in won- 
der. Whence came it? Who animated it? Was it 
from out the silence, the so-called voiceless silence? 
As they wondered they found more to wonder at. 
In the center of the circle there appeared a small 
light. It wavered, flickered, and went out. But it 
appeared again. Now it wavered, now larger, now- 
smaller, now rising, now falling, until it began 
steadily to grow. Grow, grow, grow it did before 
their eyes. Then with a dignified motion it swayed 
forward and backward until it formed into a 
human form and with a sweeping motion, a robe 
was removed and before the astonished gaze of 
the friends appeared a lady of clearly defined 
oriental origin. Her face, the high intellectual 
forehead, the dress with its mystic symbols, all 
indicated the Aryan origin of the original. But 
what was this! 

While they were wondering, she spoke: "Friends, 
I am Ardetha, the Teacher. I came to you this 
evening to show you that it is not a voiceless 
something that speaks to you. It is not a lone 
thought wandering through space or a collection 
of them; it is an individual who has passed through 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 91 

the changes of life and entered the world of spirits 
and who returns to turn the world from Material- 
ism to Spiritualism. From the darkness of faith to 
realization of knowledge. 

"As Thomas is here in a modern form, he will 
want to place his finger in my wounds. But 
wounds have I none. But, friend Doubter, come 
forward; see that I am of the human form and 
know that I am in reality she whom you know 
as the Teacher." 

"Nay, dear Teacher, tempt me not. For I 
believe. I know we have no one in our company 
who could masquerade as one like unto thee. I 
need not to place my finger tips in the scars." 

"But I ask thee not to chide. Come. It is my 
wish." 

"Then, as thy wish will I come. Not as my wish 
would I approach thee save in reverence." 

As these words were spoken the Doubter ap- 
proached and examined Ardetha, slowly passing 
back to his place and as he did said in a tone 
audible to all, "I believe; I have no unbelief. Surely 
no human e'er passed as one like that." 

As the Teacher stood before them, all were trans- 
fixed with jo}', and pleasure was shown on ever}' 
countenance. 

"Can I but approach thee?" said the Healer. 

"Aye, all may come one at a time. I am not 



92 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

strong enough to hold the parts together that 
build me up if the elements were suddenly allowed 
to change their present attitude. As I speak, one 
at a time may come forward." 

The Healer approached in an awe-stricken man- 
ner. Never before had he witnessed the material- 
ization of the spiritual body and it seemed like a 
visit from heaven — a descent of one of the gods. 
As he approached closer the Teacher said, "Fear 
me not. Approach and feel that thou mayst know 
for certain that I am here." Then placing his 
hand on her flesh and hair, she caused him to pass 
back to his place filled with admiration. 

So one after the other they passed to her, exam- 
ined and then returned to their places. "In a mom- 
ent," she said, and slowly began to sink, then dis- 
appeared from sight seemingly having melted into 
the ground. 

All sat transfixed. No one spoke — scarce breathed. 
Then from the spot where she disappeared another 
faint glow spread its radiance and in a moment 
Ardetha stood before them. 

"I come to speak this time," said she, "and it is 
on that which you asked the Master this morning. 
'How comes this phenomena.' 

"The presentation of spiritual phenomena to the 
world is not strange only as man himself makes it 
so to his understanding. It is a ntural inflow of 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 93 

force from one to another on an electrical plane of 
existence. 

"To one who understands the principles of electro- 
magnetic flow and induction, the inflow of spiritual 
force and the presentation of phenomena is of the 
most natural, It is simply carrying that force on 
a current from a positive to a negative. 

"The first necessity is a medium. The medium 
exists between us in all classes of life. Why a 
medium is necessary seems to us to be an un- 
necessary question, but as some people ask the 
question we will answer by asking another. 'Why 
is it necessary to consult a medium? Why, if my 
father, mother, or any relative in spirit life desires 
to talk to me, does that relative not come to me 
direct? A medium is not necessary. I can do what 
any other person who lives can do.' 

"Not to be outdone by the questioner, we will 
admit your contention. But our question still 
maintains. Why, when you want your watch 
cleaned, do you take it to a watch-maker? You 
can do anything that anyone else can do, then 
clean it yourself. Why, when you are away from 
home and wish to send a telegraphic message, do 
you go to an office and allow someone with whom 
you are are not acquainted to send your message. 
That person may not be a good character! He 
may even get drunk! But he can send your 



94 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

message and that is all you desire. You do not 
question the necessity of employing a watchmaker to 
repair 3-our watch, a doctor to repair 3-our health, 
an operator to send 3'our message, a postmaster to 
transmit your letters, a grocer to act as a medium 
between you and the producer of the groceries you 
eat. You do not raise your own vegetables; you 
allow your gardener to act as the medium in that 
case, all mediums, then why do you object to a 
medium between your friends in the spirit world 
and yourself? You have not developed your fac- 
ulties for repairing watches, or raising vegetables. 
The watchmaker and gardener have developed 
those respective faculties. You utilize them. You 
have not developed the necessary receptiveness to 
receive the vibrations from the spirit world; the 
medium has and he is as much entitled to your 
patronage and as honest as is y our watchmaker 
and gardener. 

"A medium is a sensitive person; one who is 
active, receptive to outside influence and so har- 
monized that he can be played upon by a spirit 
operator. 

"The process is not entirely easy. There must 
be an unfold ment of those receptive powers that 
go to make up an individual. First, the spirit 
operator must be able to attune himself with the 
medium, then he must be able to cause the mag- 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 95 

netic current to flow from himself as the positive 
pole to the medium as the negative pole and carry 
the thought with it. 

"What a delicate process this is can well be im- 
agined when you think it is a part of an immor- 
tal playing on a part of a mortal. The balance 
between the two forces must be very carefully 
maintained in order to receive a pure message 
direct from the spiritual fountain." 

"But are all messages that come through medi- 
umship the pure emanation of spirit?" 

"No, Questioner, not pure. That depends on the 
medium and the sitter. When sitting with a per- 
son who is of a strong magnetic and positive 
nature, a medium should be very careful to hold 
his or her forces in control. It is very essential 
that this should be done, as if it is not, the posi- 
tive element in the sitter may impress the negative 
element in the medium so that much that is given 
will be impressed by the human and not the spirit 
operator. This is what we mean when we speak 
of transmission of thought. It takes place under 
these conditions and it should be the object of 
every person who sits with a medium to keep the 
mind as passive as possible so that it will not be 
likely to impress its thoughts upon the medium 
while in the sensitive condition. This is the weak- 
ness of mediumship. 



96 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"Think what a delicate process it is to maintain 
a connection between a spirit in the flesh and one 
out of the flesh ; then wonder why the communica- 
tions are not more definite. Really, it is a wonder 
that communications are as definite as they are." 

"But why do not spirits give their names?" said 
the Questioner. 

"Names are the symbols, as we previously told 
you, of humanity. When we enter spirit life the 
necessity for names is taken away and with it 
comes a forgetfulness of it. Again, when the spirit 
is in its full spiritual being, it can remember more 
fully than it could when it was merely in the par- 
tial spiritual and partially material development 
that it is when it attempts to come into rapport 
with some medium, and while holding itself in that 
condition it must also give its message and carry out 
its mission. This is a difficult matter. It is like a 
person, who, having a slight knowledge of some 
foreign language, attempts a conversation in it. 
The effort to think in one language and to trans- 
late those thoughts into another is sufficient in 
many cases to make it impossible for him to com- 
municate at all. So it is with the spirit. 

"But I cannot remain longer at present, I will 
withdraw and at a future time will continue the 
lesson in this direction. Till tomorrow then, fare- 
well." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MEDIUMSHIP AND MAGNETISM. 

When the morning came, our friends gathered at 
the accustomed time. They were still exulting over 
the success of their seance of the previous evening 
and were ready to admit that it was in every way 
satisfactory, and even the Doubter had concluded 
it was right when the morning again invited them 
to their tryst. Scarce had they entered their place 
when the Master passed under control of the 
Teacher and continued : 

"In dealing with the subject of mediumship, we 
have to deal with the chemical elements in man, 
also with the effect that certain magnetic currents 
have upon his organism. You realize that electric- 
ity and magnetism are of different origin. Mag- 
netism is inherent in nature. It follows out the 
custom of everything in the laboratory of nature 
and is so constituted that it seems to permeate 
everything. In fact, magnetism exists in everything 



98 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

in a state of coma. It exists in such a way that 
its elements are equalized and makes no manifesta- 
tion unless some excitant force brings it into prom- 
inence. In some cases this exciting force is easier 
to bring about than in others. With a stick of 
amber it can be made to manifest a power by 
simple friction ; with glass, silk is required ; with 
ceiling wax, woolen or flannel produces the result. 

"So, as we can prove that in physical substances 
there is a class of magneto-electrical excitement 
that brings about phenomena, that the power 
can be weighed or measured, so we know by the 
phenomena that in animal life there is a latent 
power that onty requires the excitant cause to 
bring it into productive being. This we find in a 
variety of methods. 

"As the magnetism that is developed, or induced, 
is both positive and negative and it is produced 
by no outside action, it demonstrates that we 
possess it and the excitant force that is used 
only causes it to manifest to us. In humanity, the 
males and darker complexioned females are usually 
positive, the females and light complexioned males 
are usually negative in magnetic temperament, al- 
though frequently different in physical and mental 
temperament. It is safe in forming a circle to ac- 
cept this as your basis and if your circle does not 
progress rapidly } t ou will soon find the error. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 99 

"To take up the subject of development of medi- 
umship, it is essential that it be properry begun. 
Do not spend time in foolishness. Devote yourself 
to it as you would anything else you undertake. 
If you wished to learn music you would not seek to 
learn in a moment. You would seek a competent 
instructor and would have the best of instruction 
and a proper appreciation of the gravity of the 
case. It would not be frivolous or superficial. 

"Part of your labors will be to assist the unfold- 
ment of others to carry this message and therefore 
a few instructions will be proper. 

"Form your circle with the males and females 
alternating. Seek not to build too much in a mo- 
ment. Let them sit regularly and frequently as 
convenient, not to exceed three times a week and 
once or twice will accomplish greater results. Do 
not sit every da}' until a development is attained. 
It takes up the vitality of the bod}' without proper 
return therefor. After development is attained it 
is possible to sit oftener and not get any ill results; 
but even well developed media are not so successful 
if they overdo and waste their vitality. 

"When a spirit comes to you seek to learn what he 
ma} r wish to give. Do not press him to give } r ou 
the line of information you wish and he does not 
feel disposed to give, but allow him to give you 
the line he is interested in and that will aid him 

L.ofC. 



100 . ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

and after he has taken a secure control you can 
ask him for the things you would seek to know. 
Above all do not demand his name and insist upon 
it for b} r such means are names given that are fre- 
quently misleading. 

"Do not seek high-sounding names. Celebrities 
may not be the most desirable guides and may not 
be able to give as much information as others who 
are lower in the scale and in some cases the names 
are given by suggestion by the sitter and not by 
the spirit. In this way ignorant spirits frequently 
masquerade as celebrated men and women, making 
a harlequin of the person they control. 

"When the control is obtained, seek to unfold all 
the latent powers it possesses and in the end it 
will do you much more good than one with less 
power and a greater name. 

"As for the medium, do not inculcate a feeling 
that he is the only one who ever lived. Let him 
know that there are many others who are equally 
as good as he ; that as he lives and acts, so will 
he be honored or dishonored ; that he will attract 
to him the same class of spirits as he assumes to 
be a man, and that in aiming high, seeking a bet- 
ter class of society and learning, he will attract to 
him the same class of spirits and make his medi- 
umship of so much greater benefit to the world. 

"Thus by putting all upon their good behavior, 



101 

making a personal matter of it, the work will be 
encouraged, elevated and made noble. 

"The gift of mediumship is sacred. It is of the 
grandest sort. It is a mission that is holy and all 
who espouse it should so shape their lives that all 
men can honor and glorify them. 

"It is equally so with Spiritualists. Spiritualism 
is the grandest idea that has ever been presented 
to the world. It is the highest and noblest idea 
of religion that has ever been presented. Then 
Spiritualists should seek to inculcate everything 
that is noble into their lives and do all they can 
to further the best interests of humanity. They 
should eschew the use of liquor and tobacco, should 
avoid profanity, should honor honesty of purpose 
and uprightness of character and should condemn 
with no light hand all that is the opposite. 

"This will complete the morning lesson and to- 
morrow we will speak upon the subject of love, 
for love is an attribute of humanity that has been 
left out of the real life of the people. It has degen- 
erated into lust in many cases and has given to 
many an excuse for acts that are not what people 
should do to carry out its precepts. Then we will 
take up the subjects of hope, immortality, affinities 
and other subjects that are either misunderstood 
or misapplied by the people. 

"But to close the lesson on mediumship, let me 



102 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

add: Do not become imbued with the idea that 
you are so sensitive that you cannot go out into 
society, or among people. Throw such ideas away. 
If spirits make you so, then tell them they must 
not. Teach them to remember that you have 
rights that they are bound to respect and all will 
be well with you." 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE LESSON OF LOVE. 



The lesson ended all passed into the forest en- 
gaged in conversation. They discussed the ideas 
given them and thus whiled away the time until 
they reached the reserve where they gathered the 
fruit and went into the place they had arranged 
for their dining room. It was a spot that nature 
seemed to have made especially for them. On one 
side a mossy bank, on the other a fallen tree, and 
between them a flat rock made an ideal table; 
while so near that it could be reached by a slight 
effort ran a little rivulet, fed by a spring which 
supplied them with all the fresh, cold water they 
wished. They were beautifully situated. 

They ate their meal with much pleasure. They 
conversed on matters of interest, discussed in detail 
the lessons of the morning and the previous even- 
ing and the topic of the morning to come. After 
having eaten they passed to their respective lodg- 



104 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

ings and gathered again as the shadows of evening 
fell. 

There was always the old topic of something 
new yet old. The\ r dealt not so much with the 
unknowable elements of metaphysics as with the 
actualities of their every day experiences and how 
the teachings the3 T were receiving would apply to 
the realities of life. After a pleasant evening spent 
in this manner, the}' separated for the night and 
were as usual at the place of meeting as the sun 
arose. 

The Teacher soon made her presence known. Af- 
ter morning greetings and a word of humble invo- 
cation, she continued: "My friends, the lesson of 
the morning is a lesson of great importance. It is 
by the great power of the sensation we know as 
Love that all things are made possible in the uni- 
verse. In our discussion of the subject Life, we 
showed you the action of attraction, and love is 
the power that compels certain objects to be at- 
tracted to each other. 

"Love in its truest sense, is the force of attrac- 
tion acting upon the individual or upon two indi- 
viduals, drawing them together. The reason they 
are attracted is that many particles of matter of 
which their bodies are composed are of a similar 
nature. They may have passed through the same 
line of development in growing to their present 




a f. eo P cfe n ^W^ite. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 105 

stature. If, then, a series of particles of matter, 
having been brought into harmonious combination 
through ages of experience and unfoldment become 
connected with two different bodies, the spiritual 
entities inhabiting those bodies are naturally at- 
tracted towards each other as they partake of the 
nature of the particles that were used by them to 
take their stride forward. 

"Love is of the purest sort. It is usually sup- 
posed that a true love can only exist between two 
members of the opposite sex ; but such an idea is 
erroneous in the extreme. True love as frequently 
exists between members of the same sex, as the 
sex element does not enter into the attraction and 
the love is therefore of a more enduring nature 
than any attraction caused by matters on a mere 
animal plane. 

"Too often in life is love marred by the action of 
lust. It is lost sight of in many instances in mar- 
riage and the union becomes a mere worldly liason 
not sanctified in any way and not a marriage in 
the sight of aught that is pure and hory. 

1 'Marriage of a pure nature is animated b} r love. 
The individuals are drawn together by that 
wondrous power of affection which causes the 
attraction of all particles to each other, and when 
such is the case, there is no change in the senti- 
ment when the formalit}^ of marriage is gone 



106 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

through with. But individuals change. Conditions 
over which they have no control compel them to 
change their habits, custom, likes and dislikes. 
This causes a change in the atomic construction of 
the body and when such is the case, in many 
instances the individuals who were before attracted 
to each other are repelled as strongly as they were 
before attracted. In such cases continuing in mar- 
riage relation is not honorable or just to the indi- 
viduals concerned or to the cause of humanitv at 
large. 

"The reason that it is so detrimental is that any- 
thing that tends to produce or to continue inhar- 
mony is unjust to the world. A few inharmonious 
people can do much injury in a community as they 
can keep their neighbors continually on the qui 
vive as to what is going to be done. They can 
say a little and make it appear to mean a great 
deal. They can keep their inharmony in their own 
home, and yet its influence will reach out. So any- 
thing in a communit}' that tends to excite the 
risables of the people, even though they do not 
come into direct contact with it, will be detrimen- 
tal to the community. 

"But love is the expression of harmony. Two 
musical notes are in love with each other, we 
might say, when they are in unison. Their waves 
vibrate so that at regular intervals they come into 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 107 

perfect rythm and a pleasant sound results. But 
use two notes that do not harmonize or chord 
with each other and the sensation is one of discord, 
discontent and malice towards all. This is the case 
in a home where love does not dwell. 

"To think of love that binds us together in that 
harmonious relation is in itself a restful feeling. It 
opens the way to a higher plane of existence. It 
brings us into harmony with nature. It draws 
nature to us. 

'•Nature, in its expression is love personified. 
Two plants grow in the same field. They may 
even intertwine their roots. It does not interfere 
with another plant coming and intertwining its 
roots in the same space. It is only when their 
leaves are such that the light is shut off that the 
plant ceases to grow and expand. That is due to 
the absence of light instead of a desire on the part 
of one plant to supplant the other. 

"While these plants grow in the same pot of earth 
they do not rob each other of any necessary ele- 
ment. The one plant receives its blue color, the 
other takes its yellow, and one does not seek to 
dispossess the other. They live as brothers. 

"Humanity has forgoten its brotherhood and 
sisterhood. It has concluded that all have the 
right to overreach, to dispossess, to do all that 
can be done to advance the one by the retrogres- 



10S 

sion of another. The ground, the water, almost the 
air is absorbed by those, who by their superior 
brain development seen able to do so, and human- 
ity seeks to despoil these despoilers, but knows 
not how to begin the work. 

"It should be done through the lesson of love. 
Teach humanity its universal brotherhood. The 
religion of Christianity has not done so. It has 
taught that certain persons were to be saved— 
others were doomed to eternal torment. Certain 
ones were to be sacrificed — others to be rewarded. 
'Dog, eat dog/ and 'the big fish eat the little ones,' 
has been the watchword of humanity and Christ- 
ianity has done but little to dampen the ardor of 
the masses. 

"Spiritualism must come into the foreground 
and place man upon a higher ideal or something 
will take the place of Spiritualism that will. It 
may not be under this name, but it will be the 
principle underlaying Spiritualism that will do the 
work. 

' 'Christianity, through its Bible, has given the 
world to understand that there must be a master 
and a slave. 'Servants obey your masters,' is 
not calculated to inculcate religion of love or to lead 
the lower classes to higher ideals. Given power 
and man rapidly deterioates to the brute plane. 
Placed in the position of a servile, the servant 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 109 

rapidh- loses his manhood and his love power 
deterioates in the same manner. 

"Religion should be transposed. It has always 
plaeed the gods on the vantage ground and man 
in the valleys; it should place man on the vantage 
ground and the gods in the valleys. To quote 
from one who has but recently come among us. 
'An honest God is the noblest work of man.' 

"The God of any religion should be a God of love. 
A God of fear can not inspire anything but the 
antipode of love in the hearts of humanity. A 
religion based upon the higher aspirations of the 
being will inspire love in ever\ T human heart and 
each soul will thrill with its exultant harmony 
when it feels the pulsating breath of the true 
spirit of love. 

"Then as you pass through the w r orld J let not an 
opportunity pass to breathe a message of love, of 
hope, and charity. A word dropped here, a kind 
thought there, will leave an impress where nothing 
else would. Many an individual would crave a 
kind word in preference to the money charity so 
grudgingly bestowed and the word would be given 
easier if the principle of love was thoroughly a part 
of the one who gave it. It is the misapplication, 
not the application of the principle that we desire 
to guard against, 

"The love of the mother to her child is an 



110 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

exemplification of all we have stated. Its particles 
owe their combined existence to her. It is a part 
of her flesh and blood. Even though its presence 
is not agreeable to her, the love attraction comes 
in and she could no more destroy that feeling than 
she could destroy the particles that combine to 
produce its body. This proves the assertion we 
make of the origin of love. It is not beauty of 
form or nature, it is the natural attraction that is 
given us by that creative power of which we know 
so little. 

"In conclusion, friends, let us all unite on a bas- 
is of harmony. Let love be our watchword. Let 
us strive to throw out from our bodies that vi- 
bration of love and harmony that will cause all 
to gather into the same fold and reach the highest 
altitude attainable by humanity. For love will 
lead us there. Life is first, love is second, and hope 
is the guiding star that leads us on to higher 
planes of thought and action. 

"Seek love in thy pathway, so bright and so fair 

Seek love, act love 

Talk love, dream love. 
Seek ye its fountains, seek everywhere, 

Knock at the door of love, 

Ask of the father, love, 
Crave from that mystic soul always tlry share. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. Ill 

"Thinkest that love is e'er lost on the air? 

Fear ye not love is lost, 

Fearful, if 'twere, the cost, 
Many would seek it with sorrow and care. 

Over the mystic stream. 

Man's light would often gleam 
Without love he is lost — he would be in despair. 

"E'en down in a wild cave man seeketh its lair, 

Never despairing, 

Always forbearing, 
Nor for a moment doth doubt it is there, 

Seek it, find it, 

Grasp it, bind it, 
It binds two together, it makes them a pair. 

"So the story of love finds its way among man- 
kind. Cherish it for from it comes much; without 
it is little." 

The lesson ended. The friends slowly walked 
away, their thoughts intent upon the message 
given, for while the words may not have been be- 
3'ond the commonplace, there was a hidden mean- 
ing that each must seek and apply to himself. It 
is thus with everything. A hidden meaning is con- 
veyed by every thought spoken. It is not the 
words, it is the intent, the thought back of, and 
which animates them. A simple sentence can con- 
vey to one an entirely different meaning than it 
does to another for the}- see it in different lights. 
One has a higher vantage ground than the other. 



112 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

As the man in the tree-tops can see much that is 
not known to the man on the ground under the 
tree, so the person who has an insight into these 
subjects can see much deeper into a few words 
than one who has no such education. 

Our friends passed away with a higher idea of 
love than they ever held before. It was a new ap- 
plication of some of the principles; and how to 
gain eYQrj advantage from the application of these 
principles was their query. 

Again the day was spent in their usual way. 
Each one had built a bower for himself and while 
no two occupied the same residence, they were not 
widely separated. They were so that words could 
be passed from one to another. 

After placing some upright boughs in the ground 
with forks at the upper end, they had chosen two 
small trees and laid a common flat roof, using the 
wide leaves of the trees for thatching and in the 
same way had covered the sides. Moss, gathered 
from the vicinity, made downy beds and all slept 
with that freedom that comes to one who feels 
that he is watched by a wondrous power. 

Sometimes they wondered at the actions of the 
Master. He seemed disposed to absent himself from 
them and on several occasions his attitude and 
manner informed them plainer than words that he 
was not well. That he was failing. What would 
they do should he be sick, or, as had been hinted 
as a possibility, pass away? 



CHAPTER X. 



THE LESSON OF HOPE. 



When the events of the day had been discussed 
and all had retired to their lodgings with the 
thought of the Master in their minds, they were 
worried for the first time since they had been 
drawn together so strangely, but ere the light 
streaked the eastern sky telling them that another 
day had dawned, they had received impressions 
that had placed all at ease. 

The morning sun came forth in all its beauty. 
The sky was clear, the orb of day rose in majestic 
splendor and our friends were as usual gathered 
at the appointed place to meet with those who 
were their instructors. As the Master was placed 
under the control of the Teacher a new light 
seemed to surround him and with a clear voice, 
unmarked by the weariness they had noticed, he 
began : 

"Friends of earth, the Lesson of Hope is the next 



114 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

one to which your attention will be called. Hope 
is the guiding star of humanit}'. Without it man 
is like a mariner on the ocean, sails torn by 
the winds, rudder buffeted until broken b}' the 
waves, and compass gone. He is a mariner on 
life's trackless sea without a guide. 

"Hope has always led man forward even in the 
depths of his darkest despair. No matter if clouds 
surround him, if darkness besets him on every side, 
whether in the midst of the avalanche, the mighty 
force of the hurricane, if wind and waves seem 
bound to engulf him, there is in the great realm of 
Hope a promise of something better; a promise 
that this wave will be the largest; that this gust 
of wind will be the strongest ; that the avalanche 
will meet with some obstruction that will still it 
or at least break its force until there is an oppor- 
tunity to escape; that even when the clouds of 
death surround one, there is a rift in the clouds; 
yea, that in death itself there is a silver lining to 
the clouds. 

"The sun does not shine in the valley. Dark 
clouds lower their heads around us, the lightnings 
flash, the thunders seem one continuous peal, dark- 
ness seems creeping over everything, but suddenly 
on some distant peak the light strikes and gives a 
rainbow of promise that the storm will soon end. 
Such is Hope to the storm-tossed mariner on life's 
trackless sea. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 115 

"It is Hope that has made man what he is in 
the intellectual world. Without it he would not 
have scanned the sky for knowledge of the things 
he has found there. It was hope that something 
might be learned that would give him greater 
power over the elements and enable him to con- 
trol some of the potent forces of nature that has 
ever led him onward. 

"In days gone by the untutored savage was con- 
tented to step upon some block of wood which 
chance threw in his way and with a pole, also sup- 
plied by circumstances, floated across a narrow 
stream. With his experience in that direction came 
a desire for something greater. There was a wild 
excitement in floating so quietly upon the surface 
of the water or in battling with it when disturbed; 
to place his primitive craft where he wished to 
under all conditions of wind, wave and current, 
and his knowledge gained by the experiences of the 
past, together with his hope for the future, easily 
led him from the chance-broken section of a tree 
to a raft; from thence to a regularly constructed 
boat — all dealing with the experiences of the past 
and from them a hope of what might possibly be 
in the future. His hope led him on to laborious 
toil and soon he discarded his raft for the pirogue 
and with fire and the aid of his stone implements 
he made the primitive ship. 



116 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"Nor has his experience dimmed at the present 
day. Even now, lighted by the experience of the 
past and inspired Irv a hope for something better 
in the future, man slowly models and builds, plans 
and contrives in order to carry out his ideas and 
firmly entrenched in the fortification of his hopes, 
he is encompassing more and more of nature's laws 
and placing her forces at his command. 

"Today you would not feel that you could live 
without electricity. It has been such a boon to 
humanity, say you. But there was a day not so far 
distant when it was a chimera of the mind; when 
but few even hoped it would be of advantage to 
humanity. But a few had the inspiration of a 
greater hope and imbued with the idea of it, exper- 
imented until it now carries you over land and 
sea and leads you into a greater and grander hope 
for future ages. 

"Immortalit}' is but the inspiration of hope. 
Rather should I say that a knowledge of immor- 
tality is but that inspiration. Alan led a life of 
ease in some of his gradations. He had no partic- 
ular desire for that which was higher and better. 
Like the animals of a lower order today, he was 
contented with sufficient to satisfy the cravings of 
hunger and skins to keep him warm, while a cleft 
in the rock seemed to him an ideal spot to estab- 
lish a home. But hope animated the minds of 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 117 

some of them. They wished for something grander 
than they then knew. The cleft in the rock could 
be made more comfortable if they rolled another 
stone to the opening and thus kept out a little 
more of the inclemency of the weather. This was 
done. Then if a stone kept out the wind and wa- 
ter, sheltered them from the storm, why not apply 
the same principles to their habitations in a more 
complete manner and thus have an ideal resting 
place. The side of the cliff gave them protection 
from weather, storms and, to a certain extent, 
from beasts and their own kind. So much better 
than the old way. Hope led them to believe some- 
thing better still was in store and this hope led 
him on until the element of our present civilization 
was instilled into the mind of some anthropomor- 
phic individual and the upward march was begun. 
"Hope led him into a knowledge of immortality. 
Of this we will have more to say when we con- 
sider that subject. But man would be in a deplor- 
able condition was he dispossessed of the solace of 
hope. No matter what troubles surround him; no 
matter how dark it may be ; if clouds of sorrow 
are with him ; if darkness and despair are his com- 
panions; he sees in the dim and uncertain distance 
a gleam of light, inspired by hope, and he pushes 
onward toward it. Like the sail in the distance 
to the shipwrecked sailor, he seeks to come nearer 



IIS ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

to that little gleam and then as it flickers and 
darkens or gleams with a brighter light, he de- 
spairs or is inspired until we know that life is 
made up of sunlight and shadows, inspired by hope. 

"Then let hope be your beacon light; let it shine 
forth and no matter how dark may be the shad- 
ows, no matter what storms and turmoil may be 
your lot, look forward into the future with a bold 
and noble heart, inspired by that greatest of things 
— Hope." 

After the lesson was ended they gathered closer 
and seemed indisposed to move from the spot. 
Although they did not take their breakfast of the 
forest fruit until the}' had received their morning 
lesson, no one seemed disposed to take the first step 
toward the reserve. All eyes centered on the Mas- 
ter. He seemed about to speak, then his lips closed 
and his words were not uttered. 

At last they could no longer contain themselves 
and the Questioner asked: "What is it, Master, 
that thou wouldst say to us? We seek to know. 
If there is aught that concerns us, seek not to hide 
it, even though it may cause sorrow. We would 
sympathize with thee, if such is possible ; or, may- 
hap, we can so change the current of thy thought 
that it may not fall upon thee alone. Speak to us." 

"My friends," said the Master, "I have thought 
for some time to speak to you of a matter that, 



119 

while it concerns me closely, does not cause me the 
least anxiety — that of my plrysical dissolution. I 
feel that my life is slowly fading and that possibly 
ere we end our labors, I will reach the end of the 
journey. I want you to feel that it will be best. 
But I also wish you to know that, should the call 
come suddenly, I have none to whom 1 wish to 
send word of my life or death. I am the last of a 
long line. All are waiting me at the portals of the 
new world and there are none to mourn my loss 
except the friends who have been made in associa- 
tion with the work upon which you are now en- 
tering. 

"The day will come ere long. I wish my work 
to be complete — that is all. I no more fear the 
call of the angel that shall waft me over the River 
of Death into Eternity- than I fear the call of the 
Goddess of Slumber when I seek repose from the 
labors of a day. Should the call come, you will be 
guided by the higher forces but we will hope that 
it will not come until our work is complete." 

All would have taken issue with him, but all 
realized he spoke what had been given to him, and 
as he finished he arose, and with heavy hearts they 
wended their way to the forest where they again 
gathered the fruitage, and, going to their selected 
spot, were soon enjoying the repast that did not 
take life from any living creature or rob an animal 



120 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

mother of her child. Water from the crystal 
stream, fresh from the bosom of mother earth, and 
fruit fresh from the parent stem, made a repast fit 
for the most fastidious — and so thought our 
friends as they gathered about their festal board. 
Had it not been for the sorrow in their hearts at 
the words of their Master, they would have been 
the most buoyant of all on earth. 



CHAPTER XI. 



IMMORTALITY. 



There were sad hearts as our friends wandered 
through the forest or conversed in groups during 
the day. The Master kept to himself more than 
was his custom, and as it was evidently his desire, 
his companions did not feel that they should im- 
pose their presence upon him. But as the evening 
shadows fell he called them to him and they con- 
versed until a late hour on the matters in which 
all were interested. 

His principal theme was Immortality, for, said 
he, "I am near to the portals of that world whither 
all are tending." His companions listened with 
great interest to his remarks, and with their fra- 
ternal feeling, they knew that the words he spoke 
were true. 

"Immortality," said he, "is the greatest boon 
man could desire. Hope is the father of the knowl- 
edge of it as it is the incentive to all that which 



122 ARDKTHA, THE TEACHER. 

man has learned and continually leads him onward, 
it has been the power that has taught him of a 
certainty of the life that is to come. 

"Is immortality true? No one can answer. The 
actual meaning of the word is never ending. As 
applied to life, it means not mortal. Not subject 
to death. We know that as human beings, we are 
not immortal. That there is a part of us that 
survives the physical death, has been the conten- 
tion of humanity for ages. 

"Hope inspired this. The savage in his tent, the 
laborer in his cottage and the monarch in his pal- 
ace, held by the power of love, hopes for a con- 
tinued existence for his own and that after being 
stricken by the hand of the Angel of Death, he will 
meet them in another existence. 

"The savage was very materialistic in his belief. 
His hope placed him in a heaven that was not 
dissimilar to his earth when considered in its 
actual aspects. If he lived in a warm country, his 
heaven was a place where he had neither too much 
or too little heat, where there was a sufficiency of 
game and other things that went to make up his 
life, to keep him eternally supplied with all that 
which he required for his comfort and pleasure. 

"The American Indian had his Happy Hunting 
Ground; the Orientalist has his Houris; the Hindoo 
his Nirvana; all in accordance with his idea of 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 123 

what can be considered his greatest enjoyments 
through life in the mortal form. The Caucasian 
has a heaven where he will be surrounded by his 
friends, where there will be what his hopes would 
bring forward which is but a slight modification 
of the old Jewish heaven, where they were surroun- 
ded by all the splendor of gold, silver, precious 
stones and the worship of an exaggerated idea of 
a man as they worshiped their kings in earth life. 

"The new conception is according to the under- 
standing of the age, and, as the gods have contin- 
ually increased in intelligence and scope, so have 
the conceptions of heaven, hell, immortality and 
its concurrent parts been changed and modified to 
suit themselves to the changed condition in which 
humanity finds itseif. 

"Yet strange as it may seem, through all this is 
the underlaying current of power operating in ac- 
cordance with some prime force, and every step 
has been in accord with the progressive develop- 
ment of the human mind. 

" Continued existence has been proven; immortal- 
ity has not been proven. By that I mean that 
while we have demonstrated that man survives 
the change called death, we have as yet no evidence 
to base a belief or knowledge of complete immor- 
tality. That he continues indefinitely in the exist- 
ence he enters upon leaving the physical. As he is 



124 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

placed in a condition in earth life to unfold certain 
faculties and develop certain attributes, why is it 
not possible that he will develop certain attributes 
in spirit and then go on into another sphere of 
existence? 

"The answer that is so often made that 'If man 
died in spirit, it would be reported to us,' hardly 
applies. If man dies in the spiritual existence, it is 
of such a nature that we do not realize it as we 
do in the sphere of earth. Man dies every day 
even in earth life, and it is not noticed. Are you 
surprised at the statement? Well, permit me to ex- 
plain: Does not man pass a certain portion of each 
day in an unconscious condition? During this 
period of rest, which we call sleep, does he not al- 
low certain faculties to lay in abeyance? During 
sleep the breathing goes on, there is sensation, to 
a certain degree, but not to the extent that it 
exists during the waking moments. But the faculty 
of memory and the ordinary brain functions are 
totally dormant for the time being. Who knows 
that in death there is not a similar condition? 

"Now to apply: If in sleep there is a dormant 
portion of the body, and in death there is another 
dormant portion of the body, why are not the 
two states similar? If we understood the faculties 
of the phenomenon of death as well as we do sleep, 
if we were to take the same practical view of it 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 125 

and stuck- it as we study sleep, we might encom- 
pass its meaning and feel precisely toward it as 
we do towards sleep. It is not 'The sleep that 
knows no waking,' it is a sleep of rest. When the 
old bod}- becomes worn out, when it reaches a 
point where it no longer acts the will of the spirit, 
then comes the prrysical dissolution and we do not 
seek beyond the portals of the mystic world of 
death as we do in the world of known life. 

''Death is no more to be feared than is sleep. 
We fall asleep at night firm in our conviction that 
we will awake when the morning light greets us 
and we do not fear the feeling that comes over us 
when the call comes. We go into the sleep of 
death with the same sensations, only the complete 
dissolution of the bonds that connect the spirit 
with the bod}' causes some movements of the body 
that are not produced by the partial dissolution of 
spirit and body produced by sleep. As you go into 
the realm of slumber without fear or pain, so the 
slumber of death meets you without any pain and 
should be without fear. 

"It is onh- the education we have had that 
causes us to fear the visit of the Angel of Death. 
The fear, inspired by ecclesiastical organizations 
for the purpose of giving them a power over hu- 
mane—for each individual seeks to gain personal 
power to a greater or less degree — and that fear 



126 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

has caused more heart aches and sorrow than any 
other thing that man has had to contend with. 

"Humanity should be taught that life is com- 
posed of compensative actions and forces. They 
should be taught that their lives here are to be 
stepping-stones to a life that is grander and more 
imposing than it ever could be in the present 
sphere of existence ; that as we do in this life, so 
will be our life in that home to which we are 
going, "not built by hands'; where those we love 
have journeyed on before, and where we can still 
carry on the plan of that greatest of all procrea- 
tive forces. 

"To attain immortality has been said by some 
to be the ultimate of human existence. Not so. 
Immortality is not to be attained by any effort on 
the part of an individual. Immortality is an inhe- 
rent tribute nature pays to matter in its diversified 
forms, and intellectual immortality is that tribute 
that nature pays to a series of particles that are 
animated by all that is best in the life of a human 
being. Having developed upward through the suc- 
cessive stages of material existence, it reaches a 
point where it is ready to become intellectual and 
to receive and retain the impressions of a finer 
origin that are impressed upon it. Then it is 
ready for the spiritual part of its existence and to 
attach itself to the highest that is known, and 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 127 

man, in his spiritual and intellectual sense, stands 
in that position at the present time. 

"This materialistic idea of immortality does not 
do away with the law of just compensation. 'As 
ye sow, so shall ye reap, 1 is as true under this idea 
as it is under any idea that can be presented. 
Each particle is acted upon by the life of the indi- 
vidual. Each act leaves an impression on the 
spiritual part that is to go on into immortality 
and the effect is that the spirit goes into its im- 
mortal existence with a clear or a sullied record 
which is as plainly shown- in its spiritual existence 
as it would be in this life if an individual had to 
carry a signboard with the acts of his life written 
on it. 

"Injustice to others is the greatest sin that we 
know of. In nature we see the law of compensa- 
tion. Each individual mast suffer for his own 
misdeeds and will receive a suitable reward for his 
good deeds. While this may be considered a selfish 
method of doing, when the principle of selfishnes is 
in vogue, that act is not from the soul, does not 
mean what it should, and would not have the 
same effect upon the soul of the individual. When 
a person acts in an unseeming manner towards 
others, that unjust act shows upon his immortal 
part, causes it to be dark and sometimes those 
whose lives have been filled with crime have been 
ages in overcoming the effect. 



12S ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"But here comes again nature's charity. Not- 
withstanding that the individual has lived his life 
and has misused his attributes, he is again given 
an opportunit}' of overcoming the evil effects of his 
life and has a chance to repent of the evils he has 
done, and by personal work he can gradually over- 
come these effects until they will not leave an im- 
print. As muddj- water can be clarified by adding 
pure, clear water, until the dirt will scarcely show, 
so will the stains of evil be gradually effaced by 
continued good deeds. 

"This might be used as an argument for continu- 
ing a life of dissipation or of continued misuse of 
your fellowmen, but such is not the case. The 
prints are still there, even though they may be 
changed and modified by changed methods of life 
and the sting of conscience for an injury done an- 
other will remain long after the act itself is for- 
gotten by the one against whom it is committed. 

"Strive to live useful lives and conform to the 
law of strict justice. By this only can you expect 
to enter the realms of eternity with unsullied mien 
and a clear spirit. Remember that your life on 
earth is only a moment in the great extent of time. 
It will, therefore, be more important for } r ou to 
consider the things of the future than to dwell only 
on those of the present moment. 

"But do not misunderstand us. We do not wish 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 129 

you to forget the now. You are always in the 
ever-present now, and that is also to be considered. 
Things of a moment ago are as far past recall as 
those of centuries past. The things to come in a 
a moment are as much beyond your control as 
those which are to come millions of years in the 
future. The ever-present now is the time to con- 
sider. What is done now can never be undone. It 
must always prevail and the word spoken is as 
immortal as humanity. It may not live in its 
existence as humanity does, but when once it is 
spoken it can never be recalled ; nor can the act of 
today, although regretted greatly, ever be placed 
in the condition it was before it took place. 

"We see, therefore, that everything is immortal. 
The pebble dropped in the middle of a lake will 
affect all the water in the lake. Each drop will 
crowd a little closer to its neighbor until an equal- 
ity is again brought about and to the extent of 
its power, it affects the entire lake. So if the ac- 
tion of a little pebble cast carelessly into the water 
is immortal in its effects, how much more so should 
the actions or lives of individuals be immortal when 
they affect all the human family and even some- 
times change the destiny of a world. 

"Yes, my friends, you are immortal. You are 
gradually going through the refining processes of 
nature and ere you pass to your reward, you will 



130 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

see more fully than you can now all that is pos- 
sible for man to see in his present state of develop- 
ment. Act right, do right, be just, be true to your 
manhood, and you will find that the great power 
that rules the universe has a place for each one of 
us — not only in time but in eternity." 

As the master ceased talking he arose and went 
into his lodge and our friends entered their homes 
and were soon in the sweetest of repose — that in- 
duced by a knowledge of duty properly performed. 
As each one breathed a good-night prayer, he 
thought of the lessons he had learned from the lips 
of the Master and thanked those who had made 
it possible for him to be there. Then with a hope 
of another lesson in the morning, they slept. 



CHAPTER XII. 

AFFINITIES AND SOUL MATES. 

When morning dawned our friends, refreshed by 
a night's repose, were gathered at the trysting 
place when the Master arrived. He seemed brighter 
than usual and had scarcely taken his place ere 
the Teacher had placed him under control and 
began to talk. 

"You have asked me regarding Affinities and 
Soul Mates and I have promised to inform you. 
First, the generally accepted idea is not the correct 
one, as it is not usually based on the complete 
attraction of soul to soul and such it must be to 
be truly a soul affinity. Second, the attraction of 
soul to soul does not depend upon the principle in- 
volving sex. 

"As was explained to you in the talk on evo- 
lution, the particles of matter are attracted to each 
other by natural selection and not by an3 T thing 
that partakes of the animal. Mankind does not 



132 AKDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

find itseli' attracted by the law of affinity to an- 
other because there is any animal or other passion 
of a base nature, but because there are individuals 
possessing inherent qualities that cause them to 
blend as liquids possessing similar natures blend. 

"Oil and water will not mix. Why? Because 
the particles of which they are composed are so 
dissimilar that there is no homogenity between 
them. But articles of a similar nature will blend 
because the particles of which they are composed 
are of a homogenious character and those whose 
natures are of similar degrees of development will 
be attracted exactly as the particles of matter tire 
attracted and where the natures are dissimilar 
they will be repelled. One piece of work will be 
smooth because the elementary particles of which 
the matter is composed are fine, susceptible of a 
high polish. Others will not do so. But place in 
the middle of a piece of metal a grain of sand, and 
there is no homogenity of the two masses and the 
grain of sand will stand out on the face of the 
metal and will refuse to polish with it. 

"There has been an exceedingly erroneous idea of 
affinities, based upon the animal nature of man- 
kind. When asked the question, 'What do you 
think of affinities ?' alwa} T s invite 3^ our questioner 
to explain to you what you are to understand by 
affinities. When asked concerning God, always in- 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 133 

vite your questioner to define his idea of God and 
you will then be able to reply to the queries with 
a better understanding. 

"In nature we find that all things are dual. Ev- 
erything has its double, so to speak, and humanity 
is no exception. In many cases soul-mates are 
brought together by the changing process, but in 
a large proportion of cases they are not, and the 
result is that discord exists where harmony should 
prevail. 

"But in dealing with the subject of Affinities and 
Soul Mates, you should not permit the imagination 
to carry you away and to allow the idea that you 
have not secured your true affinity to debar you 
from the satisfaction that comes from life, nor to 
permit it to interfere with the relations that you 
have entered into. It is this feature of the doc- 
trine that has been detrimental and has caused 
much sorrow and suffering. The true soul mate 
will not detract from your home life, if you are 
congenially settled, nor will that attraction par- 
take of the nature of animalism. 

"Above all do not allow your pupils to absorb 
the idea that through this doctrine of affinities they 
have a license for anything that savors of the pro- 
miscuous life or of a change in the marriage rela- 
tion. The famiry is a sacred institution. The father, 
mother and little child is the most sacred trinitv 



134 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

that could be conceived of. The union of the two 
in one produces the new being, the pure spirit, out 
of which is to come a being that will do his or her 
part to rejuvenate the world. Affinities, soul mates, 
nothing of a carnal nature should be permitted to 
violate the sanctity of the home tie based upon 
pure love. 

"Then let us close with this suggestion: All par- 
ticles are attracted to others of a similar nature. 
If two individuals are closely connected, if the mag- 
netic particles of which their bodies are composed 
are similar, if the material particles have gathered 
themselves together in two bodies, then we may 
call them soul mates. Their attractions and repul- 
sions are similar. 

"But remember that soul mates today ma}' not 
be the same tomorrow, for the differentiations may 
produce dissimilar conditions. Your soul mate is 
so not because it happens to be one of the oppo- 
site sex and you are drawn together by passion,, 
but because there is a blending of the two spirit- 
ual entities and the attraction might be broken or 
seriously impaired by cohabitation. Your animal 
affinity is usually considered and not } r our spiritual 
affinity. Of the animal we have nothing to say. 
Of the spiritual, we recognize the blending of soul 
and the recognition of love entirely independent of 
the animal nature. Affinit}' of spirit is noble. Ma- 
terial affinitv is an undesirable condition. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE ALTRUISTIC BROTHERHOOD. 

After the lesson on Affinities, the friends contin- 
ued to meet daily, They gathered at the trysting 
place each morning and listened to the words of 
the Teacher after which they ate their breakfast of 
the forest fruit. Their meal-times were made pleas- 
ant occasions and were interspersed with laughter 
and much that tended to make them lighter. That 
is the method that should be followed by human- 
ity. The plan adopted by so many of going to 
the table, there to bolt their food in the most un- 
seeming manner, and refrain from conversation or 
any levity, does not give a sauce to the food; the 
relish is not there, and as a consequence the digest- 
ive apparatus of many of the people is impaired 
and there are dyspeptics and many diseases of the 
stomach and bowels that should not exist in a 
community of reasonable thinking beings. 

The request had been made that a word should 



136 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

be said on the Altruistic Brotherhood and as our 
friends gathered on a bright sunny morning they 
were pleased to hear the voice of the Teacher say- 
ing that such would be the topic: 

"My friends," said she, "3 r ou have asked me to 
speak to you on the Universal Brotherhood and I 
have refrained as there were other matters that I 
felt required our attention in consecutive order — 
not that they were of so much greater importance 
than this one, for the principle of universal broth- 
erhood should include all that is. It should be the 
real principle that inspires every act of humanity. 

"'As ye sow, that shall ye also reap.' No more 
true saying in the entire world. 'If you sow the 
wind, you will reap the whirlwind,' is as certain 
as that you will receive a greater harvest than the 
amount of seed sown. If you sow evil, so surely 
will sorrow be reaped at the time of the great 
harvest. There are no droughts in that climate; 
no weavil destiW'S the grain ; the wind and rain do 
not beat down the standing corn; it is all garn- 
ered into the harvest of the future life and you will 
be compelled to reap as you have sown. The har- 
vest will be full. If you have sown good you will 
reap the same. If you have sown evil you will 
reap the harvest of a tortured soul and will find 
tares and thistles so intermingled in the grain that 
it will be impossible to handle them without much 
sorrow and suffering. 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 137 

"The S3^stem of brotherhood (and this should al- 
ways include sisterhood) should prevail. Think 
how much suffering might be saved in the world if 
all were considered a universal band of brothers 
and sisters. Men and woman who would fight for 
the members of their immediate family will calmly 
do the injustice to others which they will not per- 
mit to be done to their own. The man who would 
take the life of the defamer of his wife, sister or 
daughter, will, in frequent cases, violate some other 
man's sister, wife or daughter without a qualm of 
conscience. It is on the old principle that 'It 
makes a difference whose ox is gored.' 

4 'The man who will go into the market of the 
world and there so manipulate that he will destroy 
the natural law of supply and demand, thus mak- 
ing the individuals who are obliged to use that 
commodity pay a larger price than the conditions 
warrant, is a criminal in the eyes of that great 
law of perfect justice, and when the day of reck- 
oning comes, he must pay the difference between 
his real and artificial price in the coin of the realm 
in which he then exists. This coin is not easily 
gotten. You can better afford to pay the price in 
coin of the material than in coin of the spiritual 
world. You can better afford to pay in coin of 
sweat than in the coin of remorse of conscience. 

"Universal Brotherhood means exactly what its 



138 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

name implies. It means true brotherhood. It 
means that man must have that consideration for 
his fellow man that he has for himself. 

"Selfishness has no place in the new regime of 
Altruism. Its name implies 'for others.' The teach- 
ings of the sages of past ages have been to strive 
to do away with the creed of selfishness and to 
replace it with another that will make it a greater 
boon to humanity, but so far they have failed in 
their effort to attain such a position and the war- 
fare of humanity has gone on until today there is 
more of greed manifested by certain classes of 
people, yet there is another class who have opened 
the door to a higher ideal and have sought to 
inculcate such thoughts in the minds of those who 
are seeking something that will release them from 
the serfdom of mundane life. 

"Nature has given humanity an abundant store 
of all the necessities, but she has wisely placed it 
in such conditions that man requires to labor to 
secure it. That in order to wrest from the ground 
that which is beneficial to him, he has to enter the 
field of labor and with shovel and pick, plow and 
harrow, powder and dynamite open the way to 
the production of other matters that will be of a 
finer life than the crude material of which the earth 
is composed in its primitive state. 

"When these parts of nature's work are carried to 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 139 

a successful culmination by man, he has wrested 
from the earth that which has enriched humanity 
and all the people are entitled to the benefits of his 
labor in a cumulative sense, but he is entitled to 
a benefit in a personal sense to a greater degree 
for he has benefitted humanity as a whole and his 
reward should be in accordance with those ideals 
of what are right and wrong toward the people. 

"To illustrate the point, If an individual gives a 
benefit to a people that enriches the people to the 
extent of a thousand dollars, he is individually en- 
titled to a benefit of the same amount for he has 
given to others what he has himself received and 
thus he has meted full justice to the world. But 
if he does that which does not give a value to the 
people, and he receives from it any sum of money, 
then he has received what he is not entitled to and 
has robbed the people of the sum he has received. 

"In the business whirl man can accumulate a 
vast fortune without doing an injustice to a fellow 
being, for the reason that he opens the door for 
others to receive that which is necessary. He can 
open a factory for the employment of hundreds of 
of men and women, all of whom receive from his 
venture that which enables them to sustain life. 
If he gives to each of them a fair amount of the 
proceeds of the sale of his wares, and retains a 
limited percentage of the profits, that profit can 



140 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

be applied to his individual use without in any 
way jeopardizing his honor or injuring him, as he 
is entitled to a remuneration in accordance with 
his ability to plan and execute, while those who 
are not so energetic are not entitled to the same 
extent. 

''This does not include, however, the plan of un- 
doing his fellow for the sake of building himself. 
If he enters business and while receiving an exorbi- 
tant percentage of profit does not pay to his em- 
ployes a fair percentage of that margin, then he is 
injuring them, and the time will come when he 
must balance his books and his ledger will show 
much that is on the wrong side and will have to 
be repaid to humanity. 

"The great mistake that is made by men and 
women is that they do not consider the true rela- 
tionship existing between the community and the 
individual. That is the weakness of our present 
system of civilization. It is a part of this system 
that every individual has a moral right to life and 
liberty. The possession of life entitles the bearer 
to an opportunity to maintain that life. As such, 
the holding of vast tracts of land by certain per- 
sons is detrimental to the interests of the commu- 
nity unless he places that land in commision where 
he can make it produce something for humanity. 
When he purchases a piece of land and allows it to 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 141 

run to weeds and fails to use it in a productive 
manner, then he is doing an injury to the commu- 
nity that he will have to settle. But if he has a 
large tract of land, a factory, a pit from which 
sand, stone, ore, or precious metals or gems can be 
extracted and he places that in commission and 
operates it in such a manner that he employs men 
and women on it, then it is paying value to the 
community and is returning to the people a return 
for the natural resources at his command. 

4 'We know this does not agree with the ideas of 
some of the people. But that is not our desire. It 
is our intention to give to the world a thought 
that will be the means of causing their minds to 
act and their fingers to work and in that way 
they will attain something that will be lasting in 
its benefits. 

"The great trouble with humanity is that they 
do not think. They are mere walking automatons. 
The\ T follow a leader with the blindness of the 
sheep that follows the bell-wether through the gap 
in the fence. They follow a line that will not lead 
them into something better, but rather they allow 
those who are designing to place them in a posi- 
tion where they cannot uphold themselves and not 
understanding the status of the case, they are 
many times injured by their own acts and thus 
they become parties to the act which will jeopard- 
ize them in the great day of settlement. 



142 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"We must open the door9 to justice on both 
sides. We must consider that humanity has rights 
that all are bound to respect, and that as individ- 
uals we have rights that humanity is bound to 
respect. In that way, and that only, can the mil- 
lennium be attained. 

"That position cannot be attained by any of the 
religions of the past as they do not teach humani- 
tarianism. They teach selfishness. The attainment 
of paradise by the suffering and sorrow of another 
is not calculated to benefit humanity in a collect- 
ive sense. On the contrary it gives to those who 
are so constituted a license to commit crime and 
that in the end they will be relieved from all blame 
by calling on the name of their savior. We wish 
to do away with any such idea. Humanity must 
be its own savior. It cannot lean on the breast 
of a messiah and there open the way to a different 
life, freed from the sins of the old. 

"Is not this an incentive for crime and injustice? 
W r e say it is; most decidedly so. Does any one 
think that he will go down to his grave in sin? 
By no means. All hope to reach a point where 
they will be saved before they die — but the time is 
far distant and they will not worry about it yet. 
When the day comes it will be time enough to 
repent and then to do the proper thing ; and lay 
their deeds and misdeeds upon the broad back of 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 143 

an already- over-burdened messiah and softly sleep 
away into the arms of the hereafter, saved from 
the sin, sorrow and suffering of their victims. 

"Not so! This is an erroneous idea, no matter 
by whom propogated. It is not justice; it is not 
right ; it is not in accord with anything which you 
see in nature. 

"Can you picture the hardened sinner going from 
a saloon, gambling hell or brothel into the ranks 
of the redeemed in heaven ? Think how much out 
of place such a person would be. He would not 
know how to act. He would not know how to 
talk. All his natural faculties would be of a dif- 
ferent order and then his surroundings would be- 
come burdensome to him and he would gladly 
enter into the regions of inferno to find some con- 
genial company. 

"But suppose that by some unheard-of process his 
nature was suddenly changed so that as he swept 
from the gallows into heaven his life would be 
such that he would gladly greet his savior, how- 
would it be in the eyes of justice ? Could he be 
greeted by a beneficent God with the words, 'Well 
done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy 
of thy reward'? If so, where is eternal justice? 
What about the victim whom he sent out of exist- 
ence without a moment's time for repentance ? 
W T hat about the suffering of his family who were 



144 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

so ruthlessly robbed of their support and of his 
love ? Could eternal justice call that good ? No ! 
a thousand times no ! Eternal justice must con- 
demn, as we must condemn, all such things. 

"It is for just such reasons as this that we say- 
that the systems of religion based upon repentance 
have been detrimental to humanity and that a 
new one must come based upon pure justice. Al- 
truistic ideals will aid to bring this about, but 
the true, pure teachings of Spiritualism will do 
more than all others combined. Altruism and Uni- 
versal Brotherhood are a part of the great princi- 
ple involved in the doctrine of Spiritualism. It 
embodies all that could be desired in the line of 
universal brotherhood. 

"Spiritualism places man upon a pedestal and 
makes him a part of the great force of nature — 
yes, even a part of the great God of nature. It 
places him on a pedestal and makes him the maker 
of his destiny. As such, he is to a great extent his 
brother's keeper, for the health, wealth, happiness 
and true life of his here and hereafter, are placed 
in his hands. He is not a mere puppet in the 
hands of a modeler. He is the modeler with the 
the clay in his hands. He is not only prepared to 
work out his own destiny but is prepared to help 
to work out the destiny of the gods. 

"Does that shock you? It need not. The power 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 145 

of the universe that placed man in the position of 
a part of its plan gave him a power of discern- 
ment that has been of great benefit to him. It has 
made him a master of himself and has taught him 
the forces of his being that have made his life pos- 
sibilities. He seeks not to destroy, but he seeks to 
build up. His error is in not being able to com- 
prehend the great powers that animate him. 
Could he be given a discrimination that would 
make him thoroughly aware of the great potency 
of his acts and thoughts, he would be far wiser 
and would not be bound down by the fact that 
he has no moral guide that is infallible." 

"What," asked the Questioner, "has man no 
moral guide? What about conscience?" 

"Conscience, dear questioner, is not an infallible 
guide of what is right and wrong. It is a guide to 
that which you have been educated to believe is 
right and wrong but it is as frequently mistaken 
as it is correct. Your conscience is what it has 
been educated to be by years of influence and 
education. It is the result of the teachings given 
at your mother's knee, at the hearthstone, at the 
schools you have attended, and by your environ- 
ments. Conscience in itself does not know what 
is right and wrong. 

"You say stealing is wrong. Until you educate 
the child to that point you do not see it manifest- 



146 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

ing the knowledge that such is the case. If there 
was an inherent knowledge of what was right and 
wrong in humanity, then much that is evil would 
be avoided. But the right and wrong ideas are 
the result of education. The savage did not con- 
sider it a wrong to kill his enemy for no other 
reason than that he was possessed of a country 
or goods that he wished to possess himself. David, 
in your own Bible history, killed, or had Uriah 
placed in the front of the battle where he knew 
he would be killed, because he coveted Uriah's 
wife, and after the death of her husband she became 
David's wife. That was a part of his education. 
He was a king and exercised what he had been 
taught was the divine right of a monarch, that of 
owning the people under him even to their lives 
and possessions. 

"The people of the present day are educated to 
believe that killing is a great sin, Yet when under 
the name of war a man kills his victims, he is 
honored greatly. Look over your history of the 
past and little is said of the conquests of natural 
forces; of the inventions of the age; of the great 
men and woman and their influence on civlization. 
Oh, no. It is the wars of conquest and extermina- 
tion, waged, as sometimes claimed, under the di- 
rect supervision of deity, that are spoken of. Man 
has not yet advanced to a point where he is so 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 147 

far removed from savagery that he will look on 
matters from a standpoint of right and justice 
and not through the prejudiced eyes of his so-called 
infallible guide, conscience. 

"True Altruism and Human Brotherhood will 
make decisive changes in all this. It will open the 
door for his true self to show. It will dislodge 
arbitrary powers from their high positions and 
will evolve a condition that will make man a 
power both in the world of materiality and in the 
world of spirit. 

"Your messiah, whom you love to quote, has 
said, 'Even as ye would that others should do unto 
you, do you even so unto them.' This is not a 
just statement. It is an embodiment of selfishness. 
It is not doing good to others without hope for 
reward, it is doing good in order that others 
should do the same to you. That is the real 
import of it. Like all things in revealed religions, 
this state has been outgrown and will have to be 
overcome. 'Do that which is right for the mere 
sake of being right' would be nearer altruism. 
'Consider ever\- man your brother and every wo- 
man your sister' would be a still better maxim for 
you would not injure your brother or sister unless 
3 t ou were entirely void of all principle. 

"To conclude this lesson let us strive for all that 
is noble. To make humanity higher in the plane of 



148 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

existence. To overcome every animal propensity. 
To lead men out of the Slough of Despond into 
the broad glare of a noon-day light is the mission 
of this line. It is a new name for an old principle 
and as a branch of Spiritualism it will do its duty. 
But it is not the all; it is but the part and it 
must be so considered and man will benefit by it. 

" We must now leave you. Our work with you 
is nearly completed. Soon you will hear the trum- 
pet sound and we will come to you in the shadow 
and give you directions for what is to come. Fear 
not. Open wide the doors and if the call comes 
at the midnight hour, hear it and answer it. 
You have been told that the time of one of your 
number was short. It is nearing its close, but fear 
not. We will, attend to all that is necessary. You 
will have nothing to do that will not be proper. 
The end is not yet but will come soon. Gather 
together as much as possible. He fears not the 
summons, but give him and us strength to carry 
out our portion of the work of translation. Goat 
once to the tree of fruit and after having eaten, re- 
main for some time in your accustomed places. Do 
this daily until we speak to you of it again. Fare- 
well until tomorrow." 

As the Teacher ceased speaking the form of the 
Master trembled as the influence was breaking. 
His eyes opened and he heaved a deep sigh, then 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 149 

his accustomed smile, with the words, "Has suffi- 
cient been given?" was met with a more than 
usually cordial greeting from all and they sped 
towards the places at which they gathered the 
fruit and when at their natural table they entered 
upon a course of conversation that was apart from 
their present surroundings. It led them back to 
their homes, and as they had been told that their 
return was soon to be, all were pleased, yet sad 
to know that it necessitated a parting. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE DEATH OF THE MASTER. 

For a few days after the events narrated in the 
last chapter, the friends pursued their regular 
duties. They saw that the Master was gradually 
failing, but he still maintained his usual demeanor 
and was as cheerful as usual. One morning as they 
came from their lodges they did not find him as 
active as usual, and remarked it, but he went with 
them to the trysting place and they began their 
exercises. After the preliminaries the Teacher spoke 
to them, but in a different manner. "Friends," 
she said, "I come to you in this manner for the 
last time. Your good friend who has done so 
much for you and us has reached the limit of his 
physical existence and we are preparing a place to 
receive him into that home where he so much 
desires to be. Soon the shadow of death will pass 
over him. But to him it will not be a shadow. 
He will realize more fully than any of you can 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 151 

that it is a birth into a new life and that it will 
open his eyes to a higher and better sphere. 

"You can not do anything for him, and as you 
are in the wilderness where naught can be done, 
w T e ask you to repair to yonder village and bring 
therefrom a physician who will examine your pa- 
tient and thus overcome any ill effects that you 
might encounter should he pass away without 
such attendance. Your physician will tell you that 
it is the natural wearing out of the body, that 
nothing can be done but to make him comfortable 
during his last hours and will advise you to re- 
move him to the village. Y r ou will be governed by 
the wishes of the Master in all things. 

"After the body of the Master has been disposed 
of according to his desires, you w T ill return to j^our 
homes and in the future we will again call on you 
and it is possible that we will give you more of 
the experiences of this new life. I may speak to 
you again but probably not at present. Return 
to your homes, partake of the fruit and abide by 
the wishes of the Master." 

As Ardetha ceased talking she gradual^ withdrew 
her influence and the Master was himself. He 
smiled feebly, and leaning on the arms of two of 
his companions, they returned to their lodgings. 
Others had gone to gather fruit and they soon ate 
their meal and then the Master expressed a desire 
to speak. 



152 ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 

"My friends, the time has come for us to part. 
Years ago I passed through these experiences and 
saw he who was my Master pass through the 
change that now lies before me. 

"I wish, first of all, to thank you for the kind- 
nesses you have shown to me in our labors; for 
the steadfast manner which you have maintained ; 
for the love you have shown. You will pass on- 
ward into the world and teach, while I will pass 
into a new life to be one of the teachers on a 
higher plane of existence. 

"Death, is what it is called ; but it is a new birth. 
I do not fear the change, I welcome it. It is to 
gather again with my loved ones in that land of 
eternal sunshine. The River of Death is bridged. 
I am no longer sick; 1 am well. I will now go to 
my lodge where you may attend me." 

As soon as the Master had left them they hast- 
ened for a physician. He came, examined his pa- 
tient and informed the anxious watchers that old 
age had played its ravages and the physical disso- 
lution could not be delayed but a few days. He 
would not come again unless desired, but would 
give all necessary papers. He then returned to his 
home. 

Our friends thus relieved of the responsibility 
of his sickness and death prepared for the end. 
They spent most of their time with him and as he 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 153 

grew feeble, he smiled on them and gave the warm 
hand-clasp. On the morning of the third day as 
the sun was rising all were gathered in his lodge 
when he spoke with a clearer accent than had 
been the case for several days saying: 

"The time is here. I see heaven opened and my 
angel loved ones have come for me. Here they are 
all gathered. All are ready to welcome me. Father, 
mother, brothers, sisters, all; all come to carry me 
over the river. But a few minutes and I will be 
be with them. 

"Friends, I desire that you should not be bur- 
dened with my body, and I also desire the cleansing 
process of fire. You will leave me in my lodge 
until a proper time has elapsed, then, with dry 
wood from our reserve, you will reduce my body 
to the elements in the home I have occupied. 

"This is my last farewell. They come, all — all — 
farewell. No pain — no sorrow — only a sleep — but 
the sleep of death to awake in the life of the spirit. 
Yes, father, yes, mother, yes, all my dear ones, I 
am coming." 

As he spoke the words, he raised on his bed, 
stretched out his arms and fell back in the peaceful 
slumber of death. 

His friends carried out his instructions and when 
thej r were completed they passed to their own 
homes to teach the world of the life of the spirit 



154 



ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 



and to do the work that some must do in every 
age of the world. 

Our mission for the present is ended. We hope 
the lessons contained herein will be beneficial to 
the world, and we may possibly give more of the 
experiences of the Master after he entered his home, 
at a later date. At present we wish all to know 
of the truth of Spiritualism. The incidents are 
woven to give zest to the reader, and we trust 
you will all enjoy this seance with 

ARDETHA, THE TEACHER. 



JUL 3 i* 



JUL 102 

■ 
30 1302 

SEP. p < H02 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Nov. 2004 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



HIl 

IS II 



i 




^^ 



KH 



■ I 

■ ^^1 



MM 



■ 



y ■ 
■ 



■ t 




I ,1 ■ ■ !■'■ ■ ■ 

m * Da 



M-^istt' 




■ 



■ i^-, 




